NETW 583 Case Study 1--Apple
1. What were some of Apple's biggest successes and failures? Describe why.
Apple has had its share of ups and downs. It is quite an institution of innovation in most people's minds, however, despite having failures here and there. I admire its ability to not be overshadowed or beaten off the market by Microsoft despite the fact it is not on Microsoft's mass production level. One reason, I am sure, is the fact people are arguably awaiting what interesting product Apple will come out with next.
Rather than focus on the mainstream devices such as the ipad or imac, I'd like to take a look into the more historical products that marked the onset of Apple, as its original successes and failures are what paved the way to what it has become today.
Way back in the beginning, in 1977, Apple had commercial success with the Apple II (Timesunion.com, 2011). It can attributed to its mass-appeal in design and usages for what consumers were in need of (Timesunion.com, 2011).
But its successor in 1980, the Apple III, was considered a failure. It had hardware problems and was out of the majority of consumers' price range (Timesunion.com, 2011).
Another commercial failure was another Apple model called the Lisa, in 1983 (Timesunion.com, 2011). It cost $9995, which was the main reason it did not sell well (Timesunion.com, 2011). It was the first commercial computer with a GUI. Success was followed by the Macintosh. It had a lot of marketing power behind it, including the 1994 Super Bowl commercial, appealing to a wide audience (Timesunion.com, 2011). Its compact design and lower cost was also reasons for success (Timesunion.com, 2011). Perhaps the contrast to the Lisa was a marketing strategy from the beginning?
2. How much of Apple's success can be linked directly back to its culture? Why?
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was a tremendous factor in Apple's culture. His presence in the company was ideal to ensure Apple culture was always tied to its native roots. For
Apple has had its share of ups and downs. It is quite an institution of innovation in most people's minds, however, despite having failures here and there. I admire its ability to not be overshadowed or beaten off the market by Microsoft despite the fact it is not on Microsoft's mass production level. One reason, I am sure, is the fact people are arguably awaiting what interesting product Apple will come out with next.
Rather than focus on the mainstream devices such as the ipad or imac, I'd like to take a look into the more historical products that marked the onset of Apple, as its original successes and failures are what paved the way to what it has become today.
Way back in the beginning, in 1977, Apple had commercial success with the Apple II (Timesunion.com, 2011). It can attributed to its mass-appeal in design and usages for what consumers were in need of (Timesunion.com, 2011).
But its successor in 1980, the Apple III, was considered a failure. It had hardware problems and was out of the majority of consumers' price range (Timesunion.com, 2011).
Another commercial failure was another Apple model called the Lisa, in 1983 (Timesunion.com, 2011). It cost $9995, which was the main reason it did not sell well (Timesunion.com, 2011). It was the first commercial computer with a GUI. Success was followed by the Macintosh. It had a lot of marketing power behind it, including the 1994 Super Bowl commercial, appealing to a wide audience (Timesunion.com, 2011). Its compact design and lower cost was also reasons for success (Timesunion.com, 2011). Perhaps the contrast to the Lisa was a marketing strategy from the beginning?
2. How much of Apple's success can be linked directly back to its culture? Why?
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was a tremendous factor in Apple's culture. His presence in the company was ideal to ensure Apple culture was always tied to its native roots. For
Bibliography: Timesunion.com. (2011, October 5). Timeline: Apple 's greatest successes and failures. Retrieved from http://www.timesunion.com/news/slideshow/Time line-Apple-s-greatest-successes-and-failures-31266/photo-1648932.php Austin, B. (2012). The Story of Steve Jobs: an inspiration or cautionary tale? Retrieved from http://www.wired.com/2012/07/ff_stevejobs/