Microsoft bags the top spot in brand contest
Microsoft pulled off a rare coup against its deadly rival Google yesterday when it was named the strongest business brand.
Google finished fifth after a surprise fall in the rankings, behind Rolls-Royce, and BlackBerry, in the Business Superbrand Top 500 survey.
The internet giant held the top spot in 2008 and 2009. Microsoft came second in 2007 and 2008, and came fifth last year.
BlackBerry shot above smartphone competitor Apple, who finished a miserable 18th. Nokia was languishing in 19th place after another disappointing year.
British Airways flew back into the top ten after finishing a miserable 36th last year. However it will be piqued by the inclusion of Virgin Atlantic in the top 10 for the first time.
The annual business superbrand top 500 survey is compiled by the Centre for Brand Analysis, which creates lists based on the opinions of marketing professionals, businesses and consumers.