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Major Subsidiaries and Acquisitions of Amazon.com, Inc.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Services, commonly known as AWS, is a comprehensive and widely adopted cloud platform, offering over 200 fully-featured services from data centers globally. AWS serves millions of customers including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies. Services include computing power, storage, and networking, and it has enabled significant digital transformation across various industries.

Zoox

Zoox is an autonomous vehicle company headquartered in Foster City, California. Zoox is dedicated to developing a fully autonomous, purpose-built vehicle designed for safe and efficient mobility as a service. Acquired by Amazon in 2020, Zoox operates within the Amazon Devices & Services organization alongside other subsidiaries like Amazon Lab126 and Kuiper Systems.

Amazon Lab126

Amazon Lab126 is an innovative research and development and computer hardware company owned by Amazon. Founded in 2004, Lab126 is responsible for developing Amazon's consumer electronic devices such as the Amazon Kindle, Amazon Echo, and Amazon Fire. Lab126 plays a critical role in advancing Amazon's hardware capabilities and enhancing user experience across its devices.

Ring Inc.

Ring Inc. is a home security company that specializes in the production of smart doorbells, cameras, and alarm systems. Acquired by Amazon in 2018, Ring’s products integrate seamlessly with Amazon’s ecosystem, particularly with Alexa, providing users with enhanced home security features and smart home capabilities.

IMDb

The Internet Movie Database, known as IMDb, is an online database of information related to films, television programs, home videos, video games, and streaming content online. It includes cast, production crew, biographies, plot summaries, trivia, ratings, and fan and critical reviews. Acquired by Amazon in 1998, IMDb has become an essential resource for entertainment information and is integrated into Amazon's Prime Video service.

Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market is a multinational supermarket chain headquartered in Austin, Texas, which exclusively sells products free from artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners, and hydrogenated fats. Acquired by Amazon in 2017 for $13.4 billion, Whole Foods has significantly enhanced Amazon's retail footprint, merging physical and online retail strategies to offer a holistic shopping experience.

Twitch

Twitch is a leading video live-streaming service that primarily focuses on video game live streaming, including broadcasts of esports competitions. Acquired by Amazon in 2014, Twitch has expanded to include creative content, music broadcasts, and "in real life" streams. It has become a critical platform in the gaming and live-streaming community, with millions of active users and content creators engaging daily.

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Amazon.com, Inc.

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is a leading American multinational technology company with a diverse portfolio spanning e-commerce, cloud computing, online advertising, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. The company was founded by Jeff Bezos on July 5, 1994, originally as an online bookstore, and has since expanded its operations to become one of the most influential corporations in the world, with its headquarters in Seattle, Washington.

Founding and Early Years

Amazon's inception can be traced back to Jeff Bezos's vision of creating a vast online marketplace. Initially incorporated under the name Cadabra, Inc., the company was soon renamed to "Amazon," inspired by the world's largest river, reflecting Bezos's ambition to create an expansive platform. Bezos purchased the URL www.relentless.com, which still redirects to Amazon's homepage today.

Amazon went public in May 1997, providing an opportunity for investors to join the burgeoning e-commerce revolution. By 1998, Amazon diversified beyond books to sell music, videos, and began international operations by acquiring online booksellers in the United Kingdom and Germany. By 1999, the company expanded its product categories to include consumer electronics, home improvement items, software, toys, and more.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

One of Amazon's most significant innovations is Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), a subsidiary providing on-demand cloud computing platforms. AWS offers a variety of services including computing power, database storage, and content delivery, serving a broad customer base ranging from individuals and startups to large enterprises and government agencies. This business unit has become a major profit center for Amazon, positioning it as a leader in the cloud computing industry.

Legal and Regulatory Challenges

Amazon has been involved in various legal battles, such as Amazon.com, Inc. v. Barnesandnoble.com, Inc. and Perfect 10, Inc. v. Amazon.com, Inc.. These cases highlight ongoing tensions between Amazon and its competitors over issues such as patents and marketplace practices.

In recent years, Amazon has faced criticism and lawsuits over its business practices, including FTC v. Amazon, which challenges the company's competitiveness and consumer policies. Critics point to allegations of poor working conditions, anti-union activities, and environmental concerns as areas where the company has been scrutinized.

Expansion and Diversification

Amazon's expansion strategy includes acquisitions, partnerships, and the introduction of new services. Notable acquisitions include Whole Foods, which allowed Amazon to integrate online and physical grocery operations, and IMDb, which expanded its footprint in entertainment. Amazon's innovations also extend to tech-focused subsidiaries like A9.com, which specializes in building innovative technologies, and Amazon Academy, an online learning platform targeting engineering students in India.

Global Presence

Amazon's global influence is evidenced by its vast network of facilities and offices. The company has a significant presence in South Lake Union in Seattle and continues to expand its locations worldwide. Amazon's reach is further extended through its Amazon Marketplace, which enables third-party sellers to list products alongside Amazon's own offerings.

Criticism and Controversy

While Amazon's growth and innovation are notable, the company has not been without controversy. Allegations of worker exploitation, anti-competitive behavior, and environmental impact persist. These challenges reflect the complex nature of managing a global enterprise at Amazon's scale.

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