Life Cycle Management

Apple developed the IPod back in 2001, and it has proven to be a very successful product for them to date. While it wasn’t the first MP3 on the market it has proven to be a front runner among consumers. The IPod uses both the best combination of hardware and software to make the use of this product one of the best on the market. Apple has developed three different types of the IPod they have the Nano, Shuffle, and Touch. The shuffle is the least expensive to purchase and is used just for music. The Nano is a step up and is able to play video and podcasts, and this one is also a touch screen. The IPod touch is a great product as it is capable of many things, it can play music, videos, and what movies. The touch is basically a mini hand held computer and is capable of just about everything a desktop computer can. Apple has done a great job on estimating the demand for this product and they have been working toward a shift in demand since they began developing their products. I feel that Apple has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in research so that they know there product is one that will stand the test of time. Apple has been able to market this item to all audiences, but the price has kept some people from being able to own an Apple product. Many famous people are Apple supporters and users, so this helps them to be able to charge the prices that they currently do. Marketing for Apple has been a strong point they first developed a product that was practical for its user to use on their way home from work, or while working out. It is also easy for the user to manage the songs on the IPod. It also has the software called iTunes on it which makes downloads fast and efficient to use. They were able to market the product all over the world and the sales surpassed their wildest dreams. The introduction phase of the IPod was at a bad time for a new product, America had just went through a terrorist attack and Wall Street was in a turmoil

References: http://www.vertygoteam.com/apple/apple_marketing_strategy.php Solomon, M. R., Marshall, G. W., & Stuart, E. W. (2008). Marketing: Real people, real choices (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.