#5: EMC Corp.

PAST GLOBE 100 RANKING 1997: 18 1996: 3 1995: 1 1994: 1 1993: 4 1992: 26 1991: 63 1990: - 1989: -

ts name is still barely recognized outside of high-tech circles, but chances are you encounter EMC Corp. on an almost daily basis.

Every time you check your bank balance, book a flight, or rent a car, the information is likely being handled by one of EMC's giant storage machines, which are behind the scenes of many big corporate computer systems.

The Hopkinton-based firm, which has the best track record over the life of the Globe 100, had another phenomenal year in 1997, finishing fifth on our list of Massachusetts' best-performing public companies.

Its sales grew 29 percent to $2.9 billion, while net profits rose 39 percent to $538 million. Earnings per share, on a diluted basis, were $1.04, up from 79 cents in 1996.

And EMC's momentum is increasing, even as other computer companies grapple with slackening demand.

The clear leader in the computer storage industry, EMC puts itself among an elite group of ''franchise'' brands in technology - Intel, Microsoft, Oracle, and Cisco Systems.

Like those dominant companies, EMC has redefined its segment of the technology industry - computer storage - by persuading large companies to think differently about their information storage needs.

Instead of filing data away for future reference, corporations are now using EMC's powerful storage systems to leverage their collective knowledge and gain an edge over competitors.

After virtually stealing the mainframe storage market out from under IBM Corp., EMC is now focusing on ''open'' storage systems, which can manage information across networks that link all types of computers.

For the time being, analysts say, there is little for EMC to worry about from competitors. While IBM and Hitachi are playing catch-up, neither has the combined strength of EMC's software and hardware.

''EMC is in the catbird's seat,'' says Merrill Lynch & Co. analyst Steven Milunovich. ''It's hard to conceive of a better-positioned hardware company, aside from perhaps Dell or Cisco.''