The internet boom hit a high mark in 2004. With old standbys and new emergences, the top ten internet businesses 2004 show a variety of companies all with one thing in common: they have adapted well to the World Wide Web. Many companies have difficulties and struggle amidst the huge ocean of the internet, especially since it is quite difficult to maintain a personal face. The companies in the top ten have not only succeeded in the business sense, they have invaded out daily life and have become a household name. From meagre beginnings, these top ten entrepreneur companies have mastered this new medium and are an inspirational to any budding entrepreneur interested in starting an internet based business.

The Internet search engine Google was the top internet business of 2004. The world's largest search engine receives over 200 million hits a day. Businesses pay Google to have an ad for their website appear to the right side of the user's search. The paid advertising targets consumers seeking information. Google's initial public offering gave it a market capitalisation of over $23 billion dollars, placing it between Yahoo and Amazon.com. In addition to becoming an economic success, the company's name has invaded our language. The verb 'google' entered the dictionary with a definition meaning 'to look someone or something up on the internet.' The essence of a truly successful business is not only one that makes money but also serves its clients to the utmost potential.

The online auction site eBay.com continued to expand its services and customer base throughout 2004. As the industry leader it boasts over tens and millions of members and has websites in over 17 countries. eBay.com generated over $3 billion in revenues off of a record $34 billion dollars in Gross Merchandise Volume.

Amazon.com continues to be the world's number one internet retailer with 2004 sales in excess of $6.9 billion dollars. The retailer continues to expand its offerings and partnerships with other retailers. Recently Amazon.com rolled out a9.com, which provides consumers with expanded search options to find merchandise on Amazon.com's website. As part of the Tsunami relief effort and in conjunction with the American Red Cross, Amazon.com set-up an online donation channel, which raised over $13 million dollars.

Yahoo Inc. provides comprehensive global internet services. It remains the most visited website with over 3 billion page views per day. Yahoo launched its own search engine technology after dropping Google-powered results. Boasting free and paid email accounts and website complete with design tools, many pleased clients are using Yahoo.

Expedia, the Washington-based travel company has revolutionized the entire travel industry. Allowing individuals to serve as their own travel agents and search a database of airfares, rental cars, and hotel rooms, Expedia has allowed everyone to gain access to the phenomenal travel deals that would previously be reserved for insiders.

Technology giant Microsoft launched the Microsoft to serve a variety of needs for a consumer. Boasting email, news, chat software, and website hosting, MSN is one of the most visited websites on the internet.

America Online has found a great deal of competition with companies like MSN and Yahoo! but is still one of the most popular internet service providers out there. Boasting an entire network of satisfied customers, AOL goes beyond the service of other providers. Many individuals new to the internet choose to use AOL due to its ease of use and availability all over the globe.

Netflix has become an increasingly popular option for many movie-renting customers. Instead of having to travel to your local movie store, the movies are shipped directly to your home. You have an unlimited number of rentals and pay a nominal monthly fee for the service. By lowering its fees in the middle of the year to compete with lower competitor prices, Netflix drastically increased its clientele.

With the popularity of burning audio and video files to create your own CDs, many copyright issues have taken center court. Instead of illegally trading music for free using person to person programs; Real.com has a wide array of songs available for legal download for a nominal fee. Additionally, Real.com offers a variety of free and pay media players so individuals can play MP3s, CDs, DVDs, and any other type of media file directly on their computer.

The last internet company in the top ten is online retailer and technology giant Apple. Their website Apple.com boasts an amazing number of customers each month, as it provides a forum to purchase Apple products along with different programs necessary for maintaining your Apple computer, iPod, or any other electronic product sold by the company.

About the author: John Evans runs http://www.SuccessAlert.net, and has written the book Success Alert - Conversations with Successful Internet Entrepreneurs which has been widely acclaimed in a variety of online and print media. If you're interested in building a home internet business this book is an absolute must-read!