Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: IBM
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Many major companies acquire nicknames that reflect their branding, history or market role. In the technology and computing sector, the nickname Big Blue is particularly famous. Recognising such nicknames is useful in both business general knowledge and technology related exams, since it shows familiarity with the corporate landscape and historical developments in computing.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The nickname Big Blue is widely associated with IBM, which stands for International Business Machines Corporation. The name comes partly from the company’s blue logo and branding, and partly from its long standing size and influence in the computing world. IBM has been a major player in mainframe computers, enterprise services and research for decades. While Infosys, Oracle and Accenture are important firms, none of them are commonly called Big Blue in mainstream business literature.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that IBM has historically used blue as its primary colour in logos and marketing materials.
Step 2: Recognise that IBM was one of the largest and most dominant computing companies in the twentieth century, justifying the term Big in its nickname.
Step 3: Remember that the phrase Big Blue appears in many articles and books describing IBM’s strategic moves and business history.
Step 4: Examine the other options. Infosys is an Indian IT services company, Oracle is known for its database products and enterprise software, and Accenture is a global consulting and services firm.
Step 5: None of these companies are normally called Big Blue in reputable business sources.
Step 6: Therefore, select IBM as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by searching for the phrase Big Blue in any standard business or technology reference. You will find that nearly all references discuss IBM, its corporate history, strategic decisions and contributions to computing. Historical accounts of the computer industry repeatedly use the nickname Big Blue in connection with IBM, which provides strong confirmation.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Infosys, while significant in global IT services, does not have the same nickname in international media. Oracle is known for its red themed branding and strong focus on databases and cloud services, not as Big Blue. Accenture also has distinct branding and is not linked to this nickname. As such, choosing any of these companies would contradict widely accepted business terminology.
Thus, although all options represent well known firms, only IBM is rightly associated with the nickname in question.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners unfamiliar with older computing history may guess based on which company they have heard of most recently, or they may choose a firm with a blue logo without knowing the historical usage of the nickname. To avoid such mistakes, it is helpful to study classic technology companies and their historical roles, so that nicknames like Big Blue or the Big Four in consulting become familiar.
Final Answer:
The company popularly nicknamed “Big Blue” is IBM.
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