The big news last week was that Apple had overtaken Microsoft as the world’s largest technology company by market capitalisation. On Wednesday 26 May, the $80 billion gap between the two companies was closed by Apple’s declared market value of $222 billion.
Microsoft’s value closed at $219 billion and its share price has fallen by 20% since January.
Microsoft has reacted with an announcement by chief executive, Steve Ballmer, that several organisational changes were to be actioned, including the leaving of two senior executives from the company’s entertainment and devices vision. He said that management would also report to him directly in future.
Apple continues on a roll with news that there is such a demand for its latest gadget, the iPad, that there was already a shortage as it launched in nine countries on Friday, 28 May.
