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How 6 Memorable Tech Companies Got Their Names

Posted by samzenpus on from the what's-in-a-name? dept.

itwbennett writes "If Larry Page and Sergey Brin had stuck with the first name for their search engine, we'd be 'BackRubbing' instead of Googling. But the fun doesn't stop there. The unforgettable Go Daddy was first saddled with the eminently Seussian moniker 'Jomax Technologies.' And as for Yahoo!... its original name just rolled off the tongue: 'Jerry and David's Guide to the World Wide Web.'"

14 of 94 comments (clear)

  1. Apple? by Culture20 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Sure, I probably need to RTFA, but I think maybe this is in apple.slashdot.org just because a quota needed filling.

  2. Make or break names by CarpetShark · · Score: 4, Insightful

    If Larry Page and Sergey Brin had stuck with the first name for their search engine, we'd be 'BackRubbing' instead of Googling.

    No, we'd be using something else.

    1. Re:Make or break names by pz · · Score: 3, Insightful

      If Larry Page and Sergey Brin had stuck with the first name for their search engine, we'd be 'BackRubbing' instead of Googling.

      No, we'd be using something else.

      Quite likely AltaVista.

      --

      Put my fist through my alarm clock with its ding-dong death inside my ear. - The Blackjacks.
  3. Jomax! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The unforgettable Go Daddy was first saddled with the eminently Seussian moniker 'Jomax Technologies.'

    Why didn't they use that? That's a way better name. I can't stand the name "Go Daddy". It's reason enough not to deal with them (although there are plenty of others).

  4. Bite out of the apple by LinuxGrrl · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Aw damn I had it told to me that the origin of "Apple" and specifically its logo was a coded reference/tribute to Alan Turing and his chosen method of suicide... Especially seeing as originally it was in rainbow colours...

    1. Re:Bite out of the apple by PCM2 · · Score: 5, Funny

      It's a reference to how you start out in a walled garden, but they kick you out as soon as you do something they don't like, even though you never understood the rules.

      --
      Breakfast served all day!
  5. one page version by Aoet_325 · · Score: 4, Informative
    http://www.itworld.com/print/119860

    Can articles please link to these by default already?

  6. So if it wasn't for Google... by dclozier · · Score: 3, Funny

    Rub one out would have a whole new meaning for ./

    1. Re:So if it wasn't for Google... by sharkey · · Score: 3, Funny

      Or a function that allows you to look over your post before submitting it. A "Preview", as it were.

      --

      --
      "Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
  7. Naming a company today ... by perpenso · · Score: 3, Insightful

    1. Register a domain. The most difficult step.
    2. Check for trademarks yourself.
    3. Pay an attorney to check for trademarks. They will find conflicts that you never imagined and that you disagree with, however they understand the trademark office better than you.
    4. Now create that s-corp, llc, etc.

    and of course it has to be added:

    5. ?
    6. Profit!

  8. The most important internet company ever by retardpicnic · · Score: 3, Funny

    HOMER
    Oh, what am I gonna call my Internet company? All the good names are taken. Oh wait, I've got it! Flancrest Enterprises! (looks in a book) D'oh!

    MARGE
    What exactly is it your company does again?

    HOMER
    This industry moves so fast it's really hard to tell. That's why I need a name that's cutting-edge, like CutCo, EdgeCom, InterSlice... come on, Marge, you're good at these! Help me out!

    MARGE
    How about... CompuGlobalHyperMegaNet?

    HOMER
    Fine, it's not important... What really matters is my title. I think I'll make myself... vice president. (excitedly) No, wait! Junior vice president!

    The phone rings, and Homer answers it.

    HOMER
    CompuGlobalHyperMegaNet, junior vice president Homer Simpson speaking, how may I direct your call? (disappointedly) It's Patty.

    Homer hands the phone to Marge.

    --
    sig loading.......
  9. Asus by AfroTrance · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Do people pronounce this 'a-suhs' or 'a-zoos'? I pronounce it the first way. I've heard people use the second way. If it is from 'Pegasus', then the first way would be correct.

  10. Microsoft by fearlezz · · Score: 5, Funny

    I heard "Microsoft" was suggested by bill gates' first girlfriend... in bed.

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    .sig: No such file or directory
    1. Re:Microsoft by AfroTrance · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I don't believe that for one second. How did he get a girlfriend before Microsoft made him a crapload of cash?