Growth of the Computer Industry Essay

Innovation is the use of new technological and market knowledge to offer a new product or service that customers will want (Pontiskoski & Asakawa, 2010). Innovation and technology has an impact on planning, organizing, leading, and controlling functions of management at Apple, Inc. Apple has taken planning to another level. They do not use market research, target markets, or focus groups to come up with the latest technology or innovation. They are innovators and use their own perception of what they think is cool to come up with the next multimedia (Breillatt,

In United States history, there have been few inventions that have completely astonished the whole nation; the personal computer was one of them. The introduction of the IBM Personal Computer in the United States created a novel, profound interest in technology in the 1980s. PC Magazine from February 1982 indicated that technology was slowly improving around that time, but the personal computer took a giant leap into the future and lead to various new inventions and ideas. IBM’s Personal Computer not only opened new doors for IBM, but for many other companies and industries as well, which only added to the excitement. Even

The two firms being compared were google and apple, both firms dominate the intersection of technology and consumer access. In addition they both compete across a huge range of sub-industries such as computing software, hardware, operating systems, applications and web browsing amongst others. However each firm takes a different approach from an organizational perspective.

What is innovation at Apple? What is the (a) role of the product, and (b) role of their leadership in their success?

The software business is a natural monopoly because average total costs continually drop with increase input. The market for computer software presented several problems in relation to antitrust enforcement. American Department of Justice (DOJ) made its complaint against Microsoft in 1994. “DOJ estimated that Microsoft operating systems were to be found on over 120 million PCs, constituting 79% of the operating systems sold to PC manufacturers” (Furse, pg.101). First issue in relation to antitrust enforcement was about the quick market growth. “If markets are continually shifting as technology advances, it may be neither practical nor desirable to subject that market to the strictures of antitrust law” (Furse, pg.100). Second issue was the market in which the desire for product differentiation must be carefully balanced against the need for adjustment. The costs to the consumer of switching from one standard to another can be considerable not because of buying a new software but in difficulties in properly using the new item. So “consumers switch to a technically superior, but poorly adopted spreadsheet that has a different command set and a macro programming language will find it harder,” and therefore more costly, to find assistance. Third

Apple corporate culture has played a major role in its success; the corporate culture is founded on values, traits, morals, principles and standards that are believed to be crucial in assisting it and its employees to succeed. The corporate culture is the foundation for what is done in Apple and how it is done. Cumulatively, the distinctive values make Apple a unique company. Apple’s core corporate culture is founded on innovation and nurturing talents of creative people. The company strives to build highly innovative products that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the customer. Apple’s products embody outstanding designs and styles that attract consumers across the world. Since its inception, Apple has always been associated with cutting edge technology; the company boasts of the most

The PCs became a commodity. Microsoft grew to be the leader in the operating system market continuing to develop their Windows GUI line. With Windows, software standards have been established allowing software developers to certify their products to meet Windows requirements and deliver controlled performance. In addition, the PCs allowed numerous hardware manufacturers to

One of the worlds most valuable company is Apple. Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Macs and many other devices. It all started when the 21 year-old college dropout. It was no straight path for him to get to what he created. It was more like a windy road. It was evident from his early years that he had no grand plan to do what he has done. However, Steve’s windy road growing up, jobs found inspiration and creativity and most

Apple, Inc. started out as a concept driver when they reached new market showing fast growth in the beginning. Then, they came up with new knowledge and competencies as concept learners. They were also pioneers in the industry showing fast innovation. They reached a mature life cycle with economies of scale when they had to widen their product lines. Apple, Inc. went through all the stages of technological change. However, in the fast growth stage they were not prepared for what lay ahead, so they had to come up with different strategies to have the competitive advantage. Every stage requires development of their employees and more financing resources (Mello, 2011).

Obviously in a technology based industry there is a huge emphasis placed on technological advancements. As stated earlier, technology can be related to international business but technologies within Apple’s products are the reason why they continue to leave their competitors in their wake. The combination of the iPod with iTunes has been a huge success for Apple. On the 1st of September 2010, it was announced that Apple had sold 275 million iPods, making it the biggest selling digital music player of all time. Then when technology was advancing toward touch-screen devices, Apple came out with the iPod touch, iPhone and most recently, the iPad. Apple’s ability to constantly stay one step ahead of its competitors is the driving force behind their success.

Apple has grown into one of the largest technology manufacturing companies and has become known for innovations in both technology and aesthetically pleasing products. Apple more well-known devices include the I-Phone which revolutionized the mobile phone industry, and the I-Mac Laptops and home computers which have been found huge success and are popular among a variety of age groups and demographics. In the mobile phone industry, Apple’s main competitors would be Google who is the creators of the Android operating system which is used by a majority of non-Apple phones. As for the computer industry, Apples main competitors consist of Microsoft who had created the Windows operating system which is used and pre-installed on a large portion of competitor computers, this includes companies like Lenovo, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and Acer. With so much competition in this area and the ever evolving ability of technology as described by Moore’s Law, companies can lose their competitive edge if they become complacent and stop trying to innovate.

Apple has been the leading force in innovation for the past couple of years, not only does it dominate the mobile-phone industry, it has also transformed the computer industry too. With millions of people using their products today, Apple is one of the most successful companies in the world. However, Apple did not “come all this way” from nothing. It suffered ups and downs just like any other company, with this being said, the way Apple dealt with its problems was the difference between it and any other company.

He further talked about how big Apple’s culture has influenced the success of the company. Apple’s goal was to produce small numbers of innovative , high quality products which are easily marketable, meaning unless an innovation is genuine and life changing, it will be impossible ot build a true innovative culture.

The conflict between personal computers (PCs; developed by Microsoft) and Macintosh computers (Macs; developed by Apple) has occurred for many years. The two are constantly competing with each other to win over the computing market. Macintosh claims that their computers are more efficient when working with graphic design and media arts, while a PC is known for mathematical superiority and a stronger variety of hardware and software. Many myths about both systems have been spread amongst the consumer world. However, proper research can easily clarify these fictions. Someone looking to buy a new computer has a right to know the truths behind both systems. Though the Macintosh computer and the personal computer have been competing for years,

Steve jobs was an expertise in innovative product development whereas Tim Cook is expertise in supply chain management. Tim cook’s expertise in supply can be seen during the release of iPhone 5s. It was available in 31 different countries within a week of release and was available to 100 countries at the end of calendar year. Always Apple was able to conquer each and every aspect of supply chain from the retail store to the designing of new product. Apple’s large demand volumes allows the company to grab high profit margins on its own products. Sales and marketing is another area where Apple has excelled. When Apple iPod was launched in 2000’s Apple has a very innovative and effective advertisement which had colorful backgrounds with people dancing in variety of songs with an iPod in their hand. Apple has an ability to create advertisements which are memorable and which brings excitement on the face of consumers. Apple’s R&D is an area which has succeeded over many competitors. The R&D of Apple from past 2years has actually doubled. This shows the amount of investment that the company puts upon R&D.