Case 1: Apple Computer: Research how apple managed to reinvent itself over the years
Course: TM583
What were some of Apple’s biggest successes and failures? Describe why.
Apple Inc. has been in the USA and market place for long time since 1975 until today. In very beginning Steve Jobs and Steven Wozniak invented Apple I in 1976 and included the company in 1977.
The following products could be considered biggest success for Apple; 1. Macintosh: was a computer to use graphical user interface and was the first computer to make desktop publishing. The Macintosh was the foundation and evolution of the iMac, Mac Mini, Mac books, and more etc. (Top 10 Apple Innovations, 2013) 2. PowerBook 1000 series: was released in 1991. It was an innovative keyboard design and innovative trackball for cursor control. (Top 10 Apple Innovations, 2013) 3. iMac G3: is an all-in-one personal computer, encompassing both the monitor and the system in a single enclosure. (Wikipedia, 2012) It was released in 1998 in a blueberry color. iMac G3 was a first computer to include a USB port. It also eliminated the standard 3.5-inch diskette drive because Apple thought internet and office network were faster than diskette drives. (Wikipedia, 2012) 4. iPod/ iTunes: iPod was launched in 2001 and are still being produced. iPod is an MP3 Player while iTunes is a music and movie store. Both products have entirely different characteristics, but they have integrated working. So, both products would not be successful without the other. iPod has completely changed the music industry and we can even say it has been a revolution in the technology industry. 5. iPhone/ App store: iPhone has been the biggest success in my opinion because it is affordable, very popular and useful for everyone compare to other Apple products. iPhone is a Smartphone which was a combination of cell phone system, iPod, iTunes and camera. Strengths of the iPhone are the touch screen, incredible easy user interface, and fantastic camera.
The following products could be considered Apple’s biggest failures; 1. Apple Lisa: it was launched in 1983 at a price of $10,000. It was a failure because it was very expensive, non-standard diskette drive, and lacked speed. Macintosh computer replaced Lisa in 1985 with a modular design and affordable. (Fuchs, 2010) 2. G4 cube: is an Apple computer that was released in 2000. It was designed more for looks. It was a failure because it was priced to high and not able to be expanded. (Fuchs, 2010) 3. Apple Bandai Pippin: it was a multimedia technology console that includes computer system, internet connectivity, and game console. (Wikipedia, Apple Bandai Pippin, 2012) However, Pippin was costly and had great competition; including the Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn, and Sony PlayStation, which caused the Pippin’s failure. (Fuchs, 2010) Pippin was rolled out in 1995.
How much of Apple’s success can be linked directly back to its culture? Why? Apple Inc. has emphasized the creativity of their products. They believe that inventors who are creating their products are supposed to produce them for themselves. For example, “Jobs was the leader user of Apple products when he was alive. Also, all Apple products have to be easy to use, understand, and learn.” (Bajarin, 2012) Job’s had a philosophy about his produces; he said “In most people’s vocabularies, design means veneer. It’s interior decorating. It’s the fabric of the curtains or the sofa. But to me, nothing could be further from the meaning of design. Design is a fundamental soul.” (Morrison, 2009) Apple understands what consumers want, knowing how to meet those desires by setting out to beat all expectations whether employee’s expectation or customer’s expectation. Apple will only make products that are improvements to the market; such as “the first commercial PC with the Apple II, and the Mac improved on PCs with a graphical user interface and mouse input.” (Bajarin, 2012)