Oracle

The world's second-largest software maker, Oracle is the ninth largest technology brand globally with a brand value of $13,831 million. The company witnessed an 11 per cent increase in its brand value over the past year. Oracle recently surged the most in two years in Nasdaq trading after its earnings forecast reassured investors that a worsening economy isn't eroding profit.

Chief Executive Officer Larry Ellison, 64, is relying on customer-support fees to boost profit as growth in technology spending slows. He has spent more than $34.5 billion on acquisitions since January 2005, gaining a wider base of customers who purchase annual maintenance contracts. According to the company, the fees have become Oracle's most profitable business.

In the last quarter, Oracle revenue gains overseas outstripped growth in the Americas, with Asian operations showing the fastest growth, 30 percent. Sales in the Americas climbed 13 percent to $2.69 billion, while Europe, the Middle East and Africa surged 20 percent to $1.83 billion.

Headquartered in Redwood City, California, the company was founded in 1977 by Larry Ellison and his friends Bob Miner and Ed Oates. Oracle was among the first few multinational software companies to set up operations in India.