Although Sun's principal business is making high-end computers, its ambitious branding effort is designed to promote and protect its increasingly popular Java programming language.

ECONOMIST: High-tech brands

Annaly's principal business objective is to generate net income for distribution to investors from its mortgage-backed securities and from dividends it receives from its subsidiaries.

FORBES: Annaly Capital Management Dividend History

In the Bersin and Associates June 2010 paper, High-Impact Learning Culture, Principal Analyst David Mallon describes how working to create a strong culture of learning is a business strategy deserving the attention of senior leadership.

FORBES: The Rising Challenge Of Social Business To HR Departments