Building and maintaining your credibility via your messaging and servicing will also position you well for the future, regardless of what the economy is doing.

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Even if all goes well--and the logistics of supplying, servicing and putting online hundreds of thousands of computers is no easy task--PeoplePC has offered its services to enterprises on even more favorable terms than those afforded to individuals.

FORBES: Cheerleading Begins For PeoplePC

Overall, Johnson Controls with its advanced product portfolio, manufacturing facilities at Guangzhou and Wuxi, an engineering center at Wuxi and 37 branch offices providing servicing, is well-positioned to maintain its leadership position in the building market of China.

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GM, as well as Fiat itself, has successfully branched into servicing those systems and into the maintenance of automated factories.

ECONOMIST: In search of Fiat��s soul

The promotion of a well-regarded dealmaker like Schwartz to chief executive at a firm more known for servicing hedge funds and for fixed-income activities raises the possibility that Bear Stearns will sell additional stakes of itself or find a merger partner.

FORBES: Cayne Quits As Bear Stearns CEO