Over the last decade, the technology sector has become a major force in the city, turning New York City into a tech hub rivaling Silicon Valley.

That huge growth was a factor in Amazon's decision to build corporate offices here with 25,000 jobs, a deal that eventually collapsed in the face of huge opposition to tax breaks the state and city planned to give Amazon.

But in many ways, the city's tech businesses haven't looked back. They're thriving and transforming the city's economy in ways most New Yorkers haven't fully realized yet.

Our Michael Scotto explains why and how in his new five part series, "The Big App."