Apple Information System
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Apple Computer’s 30-year history is full of highs and lows, which is what we would expect in a highly innovative company. They evolved throughout the years into an organization that is very much a representation of its leader, Steven Jobs. Apple made several hugely successful product introductions over the years. They have also completely fallen on their face on several occasions. They struggled mightily while Jobs was not a part of the organization. Apple reached a point where many thought they would not survive. When asked in late 1997what Jobs should do as head of Apple, Dell Inc. 's (DELL) then-CEO Michael S. Dell said at an investor conference: "I 'd shut it down and give the money back to the shareholders.” (Burrows, Grover, and Green)
Apple rarely introduces a new type of product. Thus, instead of being the pioneer, they are an expert “second mover” by refining existing products. Portable music players and notebook computers are examples. Apple increases the appeal of these products by making them stylish and more functional. They now appear poised to make significant strides in the home computer market and to creating a total digital lifestyle whereby the home is a multimedia hub.
The target market for Apple falls into the following categories: Home users, small and medium sized business, education segment, younger generation and creative individuals call the “Mac users”. Apple retail store concept helped consumers to look at the eye-catching products as well as directly use and experience Apple’s software.
The successful product line of Apple Inc. consists of Macintosh, iPod series, iPhone series, iPad, iMac. Apple had two notable products that failed to live up to expectation namely Mac Mini and Apple TV.
BACKGROUND
The focus of this apple is the Mac portable personal computer line of Apple in the United States, a part of its Americas division. Apple is a publicly owned Fortune 100 company based in Cupertino, California.
Apple Computer’s 30-year history is full of highs and lows, which is what we would expect in a highly innovative company. They evolved throughout the years into an organization that is very much a representation of its leader, Steven Jobs. Apple made several hugely successful product introductions over the years. They have also completely fallen on their face on several occasions. They struggled mightily while Jobs was not a part of the organization. Apple reached a point where many thought they would not survive. When asked in late 1997what Jobs should do as head of Apple, Dell Inc. 's (DELL) then-CEO Michael S. Dell said at an investor conference: "I 'd shut it down and give the money back to the shareholders.” (Burrows, Grover, and Green)
Apple rarely introduces a new type of product. Thus, instead of being the pioneer, they are an expert “second mover” by refining existing products. Portable music players and notebook computers are examples. Apple increases the appeal of these products by making them stylish and more functional. They now appear poised to make significant strides in the home computer market and to creating a total digital lifestyle whereby the home is a multimedia hub.
The target market for Apple falls into the following categories: Home users, small and medium sized business, education segment, younger generation and creative individuals call the “Mac users”. Apple retail store concept helped consumers to look at the eye-catching products as well as directly use and experience Apple’s software.
The successful product line of Apple Inc. consists of Macintosh, iPod series, iPhone series, iPad, iMac. Apple had two notable products that failed to live up to expectation namely Mac Mini and Apple TV.
BACKGROUND
The focus of this apple is the Mac portable personal computer line of Apple in the United States, a part of its Americas division. Apple is a publicly owned Fortune 100 company based in Cupertino, California.
References: http://investor.apple.com/faq.cfm?FaqSetID=6 accessed on September 2011 http://marketingteacher.com/swot/apple-swot.html accessed on September 2011 http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_06/b3970001.htm accessed on September 2011 http://www.marketingminds.com.au/branding/apple_branding_strategy.html accessed on September 2011 http://www.scribd.com/doc/24134877/Strategic-Analysis-of-Apple-Inc-Brian-Masi accessed on September 2011 http://www.technewsworld.com/story/33061.html accessed on September 2011