Short Reports

Internet equipment maker Cisco Systems Inc. has pushed past Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable company - at least for now - further highlighting the Web’s growing influence on the economy. Cisco was worth $579.1 billion to Microsoft’s $578.2 billion at the close of regular trading Friday.

The four largest aerospace and defense companies, led by Boeing Co., are near an agreement to form a single Internet marketplace for everything from aircraft and weapons parts to raw materials and data services. Others involved include Lockheed Martin Corp., Raytheon Co. and BAE Systems PLC of Britain.