With all the gloom in the global economy, I got to wondering whether there's anything else going on in the world of business. I'm looking for growth because I think that's what will ultimately bring the economy out of the doldrums. Not surprisingly, that growth is coming from technology companies.

The fastest growing companies these days share a common trait -- they help make the lives of consumers easier and more fun. Whether it's navigating in your car, looking for fun restaurants, playing games on your mobile, arranging meetings with your friends, personalizing the reams of songs and videos aroung the Web, or planning a vacation, the fastest growers are the ones that do these things the best. So, in Growth Matters I look at consumer technology companies that point the way to growth trends.

Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) reported its fiscal fourth quarter earnings excluding one-time items of 36 cents today following the close, one cent better than the 35 cents analysts had expected.

So far in after hours trading the stock has remained flat. Before today's earnings annoucment, Cisco rose 19 cents to $26.69, up 0.6%.

At 4:30 PM EDT the company is going to be hosting its quarterly conference call, and we will be liveblogging the call in its entirety. Be sure to check back for up- to-the-minute coverage on today's call, where we will get a little more insight into this most recent quarter.

Michael Fowlkes has worked as a stock trader for seven years and spent the last two years working as an analyst for the online investment advisory service Investor's Observer.

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) topped Fortune's list of the best places to work. This is something that investors should note because a happy workforce is a productive workforce. Google gives workers generous perks like free meals, a swimming spa and on-site doctors along with shuttle-bus service from local train stations and -- get this -- free haircuts and on-site notaries. Of course, Googlers need to work hard to enjoy this largesse.

SC Johnson & Son, Container Store and Whole Foods Market Inc. (NASDAQ:WFMI), Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO), QUALCOMM Inc.(NASDAQ:QCOM) and Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ:SBUX) were among the companies that also made the cut.

Another company I wanted to point out on the list that many people outside the Northeast may not have heard of is Wegmans Food Markets. The level of service that you get by walking into one of the chain's supermarkets is unbelievable. When is the last time a cashier at a grocery store asked you whether you wanted your bags packed heavy or light? There are also great prepared meals. Wegmans prices for run-of-the-mill stuff such as milk or bread are competitive.

This list is a very clever marketing promotion for Fortune magazine. What company wouldn't want to be noticed for treating their workers well? Moreover, what company wouldn't want to crow about it?