Late last year Apple Computer’s market valuation exceeded Microsoft for the first time. We remember not too long ago when Apple seemed so down on its luck that Microsoft felt compelled to invest in the company to keep a viable competitor out there so government regulators wouldn’t take such a hard stance on the seemingly (at the time) monopolistic giant. Apple has come a long way since then, not only creating great designs in computers and laptops, but revolutionizing the music industry with the iPod and the iTunes store and then changing the cell phone industry with the iPhone and now the recent market changing device, the iPad tablet computer.

Yesterday Apple founder and CEO Steve Jobs announced he is taking another medical leave of absence. What does that mean for the company? Not much should change as Steve still remains in charge wherever he is. However, even in the best of health, no company can exist only on the vision and drive of one person forever. The future of Apple is yet to be written, but it’s been a heck of a ride so far.

Here is an interesting infographic outlining Apple’s rise to dominance. Thanks to the people at Walyou for making it.