The CD player, and the technology used to manufacture CD's, was created by an exchange of information between the technical staff at two of the world's biggest electronics companies - Japan's Sony, and Holland's Philips. Because Philips had invented the tape cassette, and insisted on it being known as the "compact cassette", they further insisted on their input being known as the "compact disc", and this time round, their input into the product name has enjoyed a more lasting impact.