Case Study - Chapter 7
Apple, Google, and Microsoft Battle for your Internet Experience
Apple, Google, and Microsoft all battle to be people’s number one destination for Internet needs with mobile devices. Each of these companies want to control your Internet experience to the point that if they win the battle, their prize is a $400 billion e-commerce marketplace by 2015. Each company has its dominant strengths right now. Microsoft is still the dominant force for operating systems on PC’s because it has Windows on approximately 95% of PCs. Google is dominant as far as Internet searching needs goes, and Apple’s success has come mainly from the iPhone and iPad devices. Apple has also had great success with its ‘App store’ which gives Apple a head start in your Internet and mobile device needs. Any one of these companies can win the battle for your Internet experience with mobile devices, and no one truly knows who will win because it is unprecedented that three companies are competing to become number one.
1. Compare the business models and areas of strength of Apple, Google, and Microsoft.
In the battle for dominance of the Internet, Google has a huge advantage in terms of advertising as a result of its prominent search engine. Google’s Android operating system is used on 60 percent of smart-phones worldwide. Google’s acquisition of Motorola Mobility Holdings enables the company to protect against patent suits and manufacture products. Apple distinguishes itself from competitors with its App Store that provides a vibrant selection of applications for its iPhone, iPad users. Microsoft is trying to expand its dominance from PC software and enter the advertising market with Bing, as well as establishing a cloud and mobile presence.
Apple’s greatest strength is that its end product is a skilled combination of both software and hardware engineering. Apple's business model consists of:
1. Hardware manufacturing - Apple is great in its hardware design and