Apple lawyer Orin Snyder sharply disputed the government's claims, saying the company had been waiting eagerly for its chance to show it had enhanced competition and improved the e-book industry.

WSJ: US blames Apple for 2010 run-up in e-book prices

It is a major competitor in the e-commerce industry as well, sharing the market with eBay and discount retailers like Best Buy and Wal-Mart for its electronic products, books and apparel.

FORBES: Amazon: Stage Is Set For Uphill Revenue Growth

B2B e-commerce in their industry, it might as well be the big traders themselves, reckon the old-economy giants.

ECONOMIST: In the air

It was an attractive e-commerce idea: Customers were affluent, the industry was fragmented and premium brands were still not available at supermarkets or discount chains.

FORBES: Dog fight

Early industry reports, however, say it was a tepid e-Noel.

FORBES: A Bridge Too Far

TaxACT has pushed the envelope in the industry since it came onto the scene, forcing competitors to match its free e-filing options and lower software products.

FORBES: Antitrust Suit Filed Against Top Tax Preparer H&R Block

E-Trade, no longer the center of a charmed industry, suddenly must prove it can exist in its own right.

FORBES: After the Bubble

Microsoft disingenuously claims that all it wants is to see a standard for instant messaging similar to that of e-mail and agreed by the industry.

ECONOMIST: America Online