From Ma Bell to Wintel, <A HREF="http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Infrastructure/The-800Pound-Gorillas-of-IT/?kc=EWKNLEAU031108STR5">the IT sector tends to be defined by its 800-pound gorillas</A>--the massive companies that have positioned themselves to grab a share of the daily computing activities of most every organization and individual.

These are the companies that many of us love to hate. On one hand, tech's largest vendors provide the market influence and financial muscle to translate nascent technologies and standards into the consumable, supportable products that enterprises require to carry out their business. On the other hand, the fiduciary obligations that these titans owe to their shareholders compel them to squeeze out as much revenue--and pursue as much product lock-in--as their customers will accept.