14 DAY TRIAL // This year marks the third time Apple has been named the World’s Most Admired Company by Fortune Magazine. According to the report, this year, Apple has earned the title by the widest margin ever. Fortune explains by saying that Apple is the company that has changed the way we do everything on our computers, media players, etc. The Mac maker also ranked first in Innovation among all companies.
“For the third straight year Apple [...] takes the No. 1 spot -- this time by the highest margin ever, according to Hay Group, the management consulting firm that collaborates with Fortune on the list,” Fortune reports. “Indeed, in 2009, 51% of corporate leaders surveyed said they admired Apple, an unprecedented majority.” It adds, “What accounts for Apple's exalted status? One explanation is that it is the company that has single-handedly changed the way we do everything from consum[ing] music and access[ing] information to design[ing] products and engag[ing] with the world around us.”
Fortune also pinpoints that, “Consumers and businesses alike trust Apple's inventions and its ability not only to churn out products that connect with customers but also to introduce a new way of doing things -- to literally show us what's next,” citing its impeccable track record. It cites Norbert Reithofer, CEO of BMW, as saying, “Apple's customers are more than customers -- they're fans. The whole world held its breath before the iPad was announced. That's brand management at its very best.”
Google is the second most admired company, by Fortune standards. The search giant is touted as coming close to achieving Apple’s trust and brand loyalty with Fortune noting, “After all, businesses and consumers trust that Google will tell them exactly what they need to know simply because they ask it to -- so it's fitting that the search giant notched up to claim the No. 2 spot.” It adds that Google ranks second due, in part, to the increasing competition between it and Apple.