11.  Although Microsoft makes no money off its browser, the company considers the battle with Netscape pivotal in its quest to become the premier Internet software company.

12.  European phone companies consider the United States an untapped market for wireless services.

13.  Even at typical lending rates of about 20 percent, many companies just don't consider it profitable.

14.  Even though profit margins may be slim, some long-distance companies may consider local service as a "break-even" business to capture and retain long-distance customers.

15.  Executives close to Comcast and Continental said the companies were now considering whether to sue Turner Broadcasting.

16.  Except for huge oilfields far offshore or in Alaska's wilds, major oil companies consider most of the United States too expensive or played out to bother with.

17.  Executives close to Singapore Telecommunications said the company was considering suing HSBC for conflict of interest because its investment banking arm had advised Cable and Wireless HKT.

18.  Even more companies are considering making initial public offerings.

19.  Federated has been aiming to bolster its offerings of equity funds, Donahue said, adding that the company might still consider an initial public offering in the future.

20.  Few companies considered such issues when they began rolling out Internet access to employees.