Samsung vs Sony
Introduction
Trying to break out onto the Asian economy sounds like its all sunshine and rainbows, with the high GDP growth, the booming economy and high young population numbers. But with all the different nationalities, societies, cultures and ethnic groups it may be one of the most complicated economies to tap into. With such diversity all around Asia, it is very difficult to find/create a niche market that would be suitable to sell your product to. Sony broke out onto the scene in 1979 providing an innovation that could apply to all demographics, not only in Asia, but also to the whole world. It was the invention of the Walkman (Walters, 2011). The Walkman was the first mobile music device, it was the iPod of its time that had completely revolutionised how music was listened to during the late 70’s. It was the ‘wanted’ product of the decade, cementing the Sony brand in the mind of consumers as the name in electronics. Like everything, what starts must have an end. And the Walkman’s lifespan was 1979-2001, this was the date that Steve Jobs took the stage in his mock-turtle necked glory and announced the next revolution in music, the iPod (Walters, 2011). It’s hard to believe that Sony was once a visionary, innovating and brand focusing powerhouse of the world. Sony was far from a one trick pony, but it was the one move Apple made that saw the stumble of Sony.
Samsung on the other hand are a prime example of continuity. They set the benchmark it every single home appliance there is to offer i.e. phones, tablets, television, computers, dishwashers and laundry appliances. Considering Samsung chooses not to have ‘the one’ area of expertise to strictly focus on, all of Samsung products are considered world class. While companies like Sony use a somewhat narrow focus to their advantage, Samsung takes a different approach: Sell everything (Zach Epstein, 2012).
Since Samsung has never had a product revolutionary movement quite like Sony creating the Walkman
Trying to break out onto the Asian economy sounds like its all sunshine and rainbows, with the high GDP growth, the booming economy and high young population numbers. But with all the different nationalities, societies, cultures and ethnic groups it may be one of the most complicated economies to tap into. With such diversity all around Asia, it is very difficult to find/create a niche market that would be suitable to sell your product to. Sony broke out onto the scene in 1979 providing an innovation that could apply to all demographics, not only in Asia, but also to the whole world. It was the invention of the Walkman (Walters, 2011). The Walkman was the first mobile music device, it was the iPod of its time that had completely revolutionised how music was listened to during the late 70’s. It was the ‘wanted’ product of the decade, cementing the Sony brand in the mind of consumers as the name in electronics. Like everything, what starts must have an end. And the Walkman’s lifespan was 1979-2001, this was the date that Steve Jobs took the stage in his mock-turtle necked glory and announced the next revolution in music, the iPod (Walters, 2011). It’s hard to believe that Sony was once a visionary, innovating and brand focusing powerhouse of the world. Sony was far from a one trick pony, but it was the one move Apple made that saw the stumble of Sony.
Samsung on the other hand are a prime example of continuity. They set the benchmark it every single home appliance there is to offer i.e. phones, tablets, television, computers, dishwashers and laundry appliances. Considering Samsung chooses not to have ‘the one’ area of expertise to strictly focus on, all of Samsung products are considered world class. While companies like Sony use a somewhat narrow focus to their advantage, Samsung takes a different approach: Sell everything (Zach Epstein, 2012).
Since Samsung has never had a product revolutionary movement quite like Sony creating the Walkman