Apple's Strategy

Steve Jobs is known for creating revolutionary products and launching them like a box office thriller. The movie producers should learn a few tips from him! The launch of IPhone marked a new milestone in the history of tech products. Now, it is the time for IPad. What is IPad? In the last few years, the world has seen that the technological gap between a phone and a computer is reducing. Earlier people were satisfied with a basic phone which can be used to communicate only. Gradually the products’ expected features like internet, WAP and data processing abilities crept into the basic features. However, mobile manufacturers could not break the ice to think further, which Apple has done. Apple is trying to create a new segment where people want a multipurpose mobile device through which all basic needs of a mobile and a computer can be experienced with ease. IPhone implemented this unique ‘Filling the Gap’ strategy successfully. It seems that Apple has made this ‘Filling the Gap’ strategy it’s unique selling proposition. Is it sustainable? The sustainability of a strategy depends on the entry barrier for competitors. If the entry barrier is low then apart from the first mover advantage, Apple will have nothing. It will not be able to milk this newly created segment for a long time. One feature which is valuable about this product is that more than one lakh applets can be accessed through this device. These features are currently used in Iphones and IPad is compatible with it. So, the product is different but the features are developed on a common platform which can be used only on Apple products. It reminds me of the era when Apple tried to rule the market with Macs which could use only Apple’s applications and software. This strategy of Apple decades ago, did not last much because the competitors could sniff it and Microsoft and IBM reaped the benefits. Is it that this time the competitors are not aware or Apple has done its homework well enough. Apple has penetrated deep enough in most of the developed markets with its platform featured products IPhone, iTouch and IPod. Gradually they are moving back towards the PC in terms of features. WOW! Steve Jobs seems to implement his old strategy well enough to reach the levels of Microsoft with huge strategic advantages. Analysts say that IPad will not be able to replace the PC/Laptop market but you do not know what Apple is all for. It will not be surprising if Steve introduces an iPC which will run on the same platform used for iPod, iPhone and iPad.

Rogues

Also read :

Best gadgets of the decade – best of last 10 years

11 reasons Why not to buy iPhone in India

Google Nexus One Vs iPhone – The review

smishing

Smishing is a word derived from the words SMS and Phishing wherein the sender tries to extract crucial financial information from the receiver. It works just like phishing mails. Every technology has its flip side and now it is the turn of mobile phones via SMSs. Beware!

This is an example of a (complete) smishing message in current circulation: “Notice – this is an automated message from (a local credit union), your ATM card has been suspended. To reactivate call urgent at 866-###-####.”
Surprisingly, China along with China Mobile, has taken the first move against Smishing, racketeering and lewd SMSs. All SMSs are being tracked and action will be taken against the senders of such messages, which may include termination of SMS service for the guilty.

Rogues

Price wars, Political wars and now wars on patents. Today, with the world’s financial engine gaining momentum once again after the housing bubble, the coming years seem to be tough time for analysts.

Infringement of patents was seen as an integral part of emerging nations until recently when two top notch organizations from the developed nations jumped in the battle field arguing hard on the patent infringements.

In October, the lord of the ‘I’s (Apple) was accused by the King of ‘N’s (Nokia) for 10 patent infringements related to wireless data, speech technology, security and encryption technologies. Nokia, one of the largest player in the handsets market, has spend more than 40 billion Euros in the last two decades on R&D to develop such technologies. Nokia has agreement with more than 40 handset manufacturers world over for the usage of its technologies, however, Apple is an exception.

In early December, Apple counter attacked rival Nokia with 13 patent infringements!

And now Nokia has filed a case in International Trade Commission (ITC) against Apple.

Nokia experienced first quarter loss after a decade whereas Apple touched profits of $1.6 billion, thanks to the growth in sales of iPods and iPhones. Nokia is finding it difficult to digest this and doing all sort of analysis to find the root cause. In the race to satisfy the shareholders both these companies are compromising with their brand values which is built over decades. Who will win this patent war? Apple, Nokia or other competitors

Rogues