No longer happy to act mainly as middlemen, many have wanted a slice of the action themselves.

ECONOMIST: There are losers, but some winners too

Cisco Systems, with perhaps the most formidable data-networking credentials of all, is also determined to get a slice of the action and has recently been working with Motorola.

ECONOMIST: A Finnish fable

Telecoms incumbents, keen to grab a slice of the action, tried to turn themselves into global operators through the expansion of their existing networks and the acquisition of foreign firms.

ECONOMIST: Telefonica looks to Europe | The

Other casino companies such as Harrah's Entertainment and MGM Mirage were said to be looking for a slice of the action in the U.K., but Genting swooped in and captured the dominant position.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Other casino companies such as Harrah's Entertainment (nyse: HET - news - people ) and MGM Mirage were said to be looking for a slice of the action in the U.K., but Genting swooped in and captured the dominant position.

FORBES: Genting's Poster Boy