Case Study : Tech Shield Should Make A Decision

Apple came back from near extinction to become one of the most revered technology companies in recent memory. They achieved this status by developing innovative design products and pushing the limits of their marketing prowess. Apple is known for their ability to listen to consumers and revolutionize market segments by providing modern design laden and feature rich alternatives to the target markets. They employ strategies that might contradict normal convention by keeping their prices high to build a brand image of prestige and promote their products through word of mouth. The impact on marketing is hugely noticeable by other companies following suit with store models

Apple Inc. is perhaps one of the most innovative technology companies to emerge since its establishment, in1976. The founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak gave the world products like the Macintosh computer, iPod, and most recently, the iPhone. Apple is also successful in software manufacturing such as Apple OS for computers, media softwares like iTunes and iOS for mobile devices. To date, Apple employs 115,000 employees, 453 retail outlets in 16 countries and a revenue of $182 billion. Thus, Apple’s creative, and innovative product line has had its stock price to hit high every year.

IT is one of the highest earning industry and companies who have evolved and innovated have been able to maintain their position. Apple has always been a trend setter in the consumer electronics business and has a very aggressive innovation philosophy. Apple’s investments in unique and advanced technology has always helped it stay ahead of its competition and maintain its position. Apple can exploit the trends in cloud computing by continuing to invest in technology and devices that can be connected seamlessly. Additionally, the apps markets continue to grow and Apple can continue to benefit from

Apple now has so much competition now price does matter. One thing that gives them an advantage is that all apple products are compatible. A person can get access to all the apps and things he or she has on his or her iPad through the iPhone. Apple has lowered some of the prices on their electronics to attract customers and to keep existing customers happy as well. Price elasticity is something that Apple is using very well as they continue to set the bar in electronics.

Apple Inc. can pay its current and long-term debt obligations or liabilities, has tremendous tangible and intangible assets worth billions of dollars, and has a vast reservoir of investors, lenders, and shareholders providing all the finances for running the corporation 's operations. Like every business organization, Apple Inc. sells more in some products than others. To illustrate, Apple Inc. sells more on phones than Ipads. I do not have any doubt that Apple Inc. will make more sales in revenue and profits in the next five years ahead. Base on the fact that Apple Inc. is consistently researching and upgrading their products to meet the business and personal needs of their growing clientele.

Both sides of their competition offer more affordable products and many times pick up the slack where Apple failed at. An example of this is the Google TV and the Android by Motorola. Also, many companies have latched out to businesses and become their primary source of equipment, however because Apple products are not compatible with Microsoft office, it prevents them from successfully entering this market.

As every one know that apple created its loyal fans due to its quality , that make it hard for new companies to enter the market and take apple share .

Apple has a full range of apps, software and products that are linked and support with each other. And Apple has relatively high customer loyalty, which increases due to Apple’s closed ecosystem.

Apple Inc. has many strengths attributed to its success, one of them being product development, “Apple’s process is complex, expensive and demanding. If you compare it to most business theories – it shouldn’t work. However, to date it has out-performed even the wildest of expectations” (Lashinsky). Apple didn’t create the electronic device market, however they implemented the touchscreen in a new way, by creating a simple device with limited buttons, and bringing a meaning to smartphone. They arguably put blackberry out of business, and influence companies like HTC, Motorola, Microsoft, and Samsung change their previous phone designs. Apple Inc. has also always been very good at advertising, marketing and distribution. They have 470 Apple stores in 17 countries, as well as many trading partners and online stores.

Apple has avoided price-based competition thus far by staying away from low end markets where price is the main differentiator. Apple products never go on sale. By generating a superior product to the Android phones, rival tablets and eReaders, it compete based primarily on quality, service and unique

Competitors such as dell, Toshiba and Sony sell their products at lower prices compared to that of Apple Inc. gaining a higher market base due to the affordability of its

Apple has provided a unique fame in the consumer electronics market. These people who use Apple electronics are more willing to buy and loyal to the company when

Apple is known as one of the best companies in the world. It is not surprising that Forbes has named the firm the most admired company in the world for four straight years. This is admiration both from the business world and from consumers who buy the amazing products Apple has developed. The business itself has been a model of efficiency and innovation, taking some of the most innovative electronic products ever to market and forcing the rest of the electronics manufacturing world to follows its lead. It is also a company that went from almost closing its doors to the level it now maintains in just a few short years. Consumers are clamoring for new and better products and Apple executives are always happy to oblige. With is stable of i-products, Apple has become one of the best known and most beloved companies around the world, and there seems to be no end to the types of products that the company can design and the further accolades the company can accumulate.

Porter’s 5 Forces Analysis demonstrates that Apple, as a company, has few forces against it. The few risks to the company are essentially negligible, and only offer medium risk. There is no real competitive rivalry to speak of as Apple is exclusive in it’s products, and cannot be re-created at this time. There are substitute goods available, but they do not match all of the specifications of a singular Apple product. Apple has also avoided price-based competition by staying out of low end markets where price is the main differentiator. Additionally, Apple products never go on sale. This is due to Apple generating a superior product to Android, rival tablets and eReaders. This has allowed Apple to compete primarily on quality, service, and maintain a unique ecosystem.

Although Apple is a relative newcomer in the consumer electronics market through innovation and fearless experimentation they have completely revolutionized the field. They still appear to be somewhat entrenched in their older strategy as a pc hardware and software manufacturer and also appear to be somewhat reluctant to change their business practices, this could be a potential disadvantage. This strategy has so far been successful in the last decade as their consumer electronics have developed, but as technology continues changing they could easily be left behind by the next newest thing. Additionally they appear to be repeating their same mistakes with compatibility in that they are trying to be one company that does everything and they are reluctant to relinquish control. I recommend that a competitor try to avoid their mistakes by being more open to collaboration by partnering with other high tech companies.