With the economy finally perking up, newcomers are running the show: Three of the top five companies in this year’s Wired 40, their annual list of enterprises leading the charge toward a connected global economy, were founded in the past decade. One-third are less than 20 years old.
This year’s list reflects the churn we’ve come to expect in the tech economy. Only nine selections appeared on the original list back in 1998. Still, the criteria for inclusion remain unchanged. These 40 leaders have demonstrated an uncommon mastery of technology, innovation, globalism, networked communication, and strategic vision – skills essential to thriving in the information age. Here’s how they stack up.
1. Google
2. Amazon.com
3. Apple Computer
4. Genentech
5. eBay
6. Samsung Electronics
7. Yahoo!
8. Electronic Arts
9. Pixar
10. Cisco Systems
11. Infosys Technologies
12. Dell Computer
13. IBM
14. SAP
15. Nokia
16. Netflix
17. Monsanto
18. Toyota Motor
19. Vodafone Group
20. Flextronics
21. InterActiveCorp
22. Nvidia
23. WPP Group
24. Intel
25. EMC
26. FedEx
27. Microsoft
28. Pfizer
29. Costco Wholesale
30. Comcast
31. Taiwan Semiconductor
32. Ameritrade
33. Gen-Probe
34. Ryanair
35. L-3
36. Citigroup
37. Level 3
38. Inditex
39. JDS Uniphase
40. BP
