On Tuesday's class, we got into a pretty lengthy discussion about the Ipod's stranglehold on the mp3 player market as well as Apple's growing grasp on the consumer market. Being an avid Apple product user/die hard fan, I had a lot of bias in this discussion. Upon further reflection, I had some extra insight on the "who can take and keep control of the market" debate and these are some of the thoughts I was having.
To me there are basically two markets: Business and consumer. Now, these two markets are quite unequal in size since businesses obtain computers and associated products in bulk and use them every day. The consumer market is also quite large, but since it breaks down to individual people buying individual products, there aren't as many items being sold in quantity. Since businesses rely so heavily on information systems and IT these days, it would be quite time-consuming and expensive to completely ditch the systems they've been using for years and years for a newer, different system. I like to think of it as if America decided to use the metric system. Of course it would make a lot more sense on the whole considering every other part of the world uses it, it would be a huge hassle and very impractical because we are so used to it. For this reason, I believe Microsoft will continue to keep their grip tight on the business market and since it is quite larger than the consumer market, continue to stay on top.
Apple on the other hand has definitely made their presence known for the individual, which is exactly what their business model must be focusing on. There is a lot of money to be made from the consumer, and what Apple does best is they keep innovating and creating wonderful computers and peripherals that are so user-friendly that it is a no-brainer for somebody to purchase. As long as Apple continues to stay on the cutting edge of technology and continue to make more and more accessible user interfaces without sacrificing quality and durability, I don't think Microsoft would be able to touch Apple with a ten foot pole.
Both of these companies can co-exist in the computing business as long as they realize what their individual strengths are as a company and strike that with full force.
I really like your analogy of the US switching over to the metric system. My dad would really love to buy a Mac, but since he works in the foundry industry that runs on PC, it is impossible for him to make the switch. This industry is definitely an example of how Microsoft will continue to thrive as it is costly to make changes to the way businesses are run.
ReplyDeleteI agree whole heartedly. Microsoft has their edge on helping the business world, while Apple likes to keep in touch with the other side of life. I grew up in the Windows world, I was about 10 or 11 in the mid 90's when the successful windows 95 was booming, and they were integrating computers and computer labs into schools. I think they Microsoft and Apple will be here for years to come.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this post in all of its arguments. There are most definitely two markets (business and consumer)and both of these markets have very different needs. These needs are generally addressed by the differences in these two titans of industry. Microsoft has always been focused on mass production and horizontal integration when selling their products. While Apple started out that way, up to this point have focused more on specific market segments, and vertical integration. I also feel that Apple products generally have better quality, accompanied by a higher price. I also liked the Metric System analogy in relation to the switch, and feel that this post is spot on with its ideas.
ReplyDeleteI really think that Microsoft and Apple are both good computers, and like you said, they both should target specific buyers. Apple is for sure better for the consumer. They have so much more to offer than Microsoft does.
ReplyDeleteI have never owned an apple computer and have only used an apple a few times. I agree that they are designed specifically for different types of buyers. Having never really used an apple, I would be more compelled to buy a computer from Microsoft. I know how to use it and what features it has and during the few times I have used a Mac, it was very difficult to learn and figure out how to use it. People would rather have what they are used to using and know how to use rather than learning to switch which I think is a typical issue here. People who own a Mac say it's easier and is better than Microsoft once they learn how to use it but thats just it. Alot of people would have to be willing to learn and try something new.
ReplyDeleteI think that apple is overrated and most people are just paying for a name more than a product. Im not saying that they are bad products. I just think that they are getting to much credit than what they deserve.
ReplyDeleteI think this was a great article. I am also a die hard Apple fan. I think they have amazing products. They give the consumers exactly what we want: sleek, stylish technology that is user friendly and has great quality. Microsoft is a great company too, but they just don't capture the attention of today's new generation as much as Apple does. Microsoft's designs are pretty boring and they don't have cool commercials on television. Apple knows who they are going after and they are using every strategical measure to make sure they reach their target market.
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