Software also known as a program is a set of instructions that guide a computer on what to do. Alternatively, a software or program can be defined as a set of instructions stored in a computer memory for a specific purpose. Virtually all electronic devices have some sort of software installed in them. It is for this reason that they are referred to as computerized devices. Everything that a computer or electronic device does is as a result of the software installed in it. For example, word processing, gaming, internet browsing and spreadsheet amongst other activities done in a computer is as a result of the software installed in it.
Software or programs can be classified into two main groups, i.e.:
– Operating System Software.
– Application Software,
Application software enables the computer system to run and examples include Windows, Linux and Mac OS amongst others. Application software on the other hand enables PC users to be able to do their day to day activities on the computer, e.g. surfing, word processing, gaming and desktop publishing. Commonly used application software are Microsoft Word, Adobe Reader and Safari Browser amongst others.
Discussed herein are the world’s top ten software companies:
1. IBM
IBM an acronym for International Business Machines is a Computer Company that was established in the 1880s. Since its inception, IBM has managed to engage in several business ventures involving technologies and for a long time was the US government main provider for various technological services. IBM is known worldwide as the pioneer of the modern computers but, very few recognize it as a software manufacturer. Nonetheless, IBM does engage in software development and has developed some of the most complex platforms used on IBM servers.
2. Microsoft
If there is a software manufacturing company that has humble beginnings then it has to be Microsoft. Microsoft is an American public multinational corporation. It has its main offices in Redmond, Washington in the United States. Microsoft is in the business of developing, manufacturing, licensing and supporting extensive assortments of platforms and services that are related to computers. It has different product divisions that have been tasked to develop solutions for various computing needs. Microsoft was initially established to create and market Basic Interpreters. These are raw programs that required an individual with extensive computing knowledge to understand. Its rise to fame was the MS-DOS program designed for IBM computers. Later on it became a major contender for home computer operating system that was to be followed with its famous office suite.
3. Google
Google is famed as one of the world’s largest search engine. Millions of online users worldwide use the search engine for their basic needs. Just like Microsoft, Google is an all American multinational public corporation that has interests in internet search, online advertising and cloud computing. Other than internet search services, Google also creates several online based services and makes a large chunk of its revenues from advertising using an applications referred to as AdWords and AdSense. Google was created by Larry Page and Sergey Brin while studying for their Ph.D. courses in 1998.
4. Accenture
Accenture is a software development company that was incorporate as a worldwide management consulting and technology outsourcing in the Bermuda, but, was to later be incorporated afresh in the United States. To date, Accenture is the world’s biggest consulting company as well as being a leading player in technology consulting.
5. SAP AG
SAP AG is a software manufacturing company that was incorporated in Germany. It mainly develops and sells enterprise software applications and offers software support for all kinds of businesses worldwide. It headquarters is in Walldorf, Germany. In addition, it has regional offices distributed globally to facilitate some of its international businesses. As an enterprise software developer, it is the biggest in its field globally. In Europe, it is the topmost software developers while the fifth globally. Application programs synonymous with the company are SAP BusinessObjects Software and SAP Enterprise Resource Planning.