Another important step that Apple
has already begun to take is one towards compatibility. The switching costs
created by Apple’s exclusionary policies have ceased to be an asset now that
PCs have become commodities. Allowing Wintel peripherals to work on an iMac is
a start but the ideal machine would be able to run PC software as well as iMac
exclusive software. Apple clones that would simply cannibalize sales are not
the answer, but lowering the switching costs is an essential step to winning
over new users.
Finally, research and development
has always been one of Apple’s strong points and they should continue with
their R&D budget but focus on where the market is headed: handheld
electronics such as cameras, music devices, PDAs, etc. Despite the failure of
the Newton, the Palm Pilot has been an obvious success and need not be ignored.
All the failure means is that the product did not adequately suit the
consumers’ needs and better market research is needed.
Another important step that Apple
has already begun to take is one towards compatibility. The switching costs
created by Apple’s exclusionary policies have ceased to be an asset now that
PCs have become commodities. Allowing Wintel peripherals to work on an iMac is
a start but the ideal machine would be able to run PC software as well as iMac
exclusive software. Apple clones that would simply cannibalize sales are not
the answer, but lowering the switching costs is an essential step to winning
over new users.
Finally, research and development
has always been one of Apple’s strong points and they should continue with
their R&D budget but focus on where the market is headed: handheld
electronics such as cameras, music devices, PDAs, etc. Despite the failure of
the Newton, the Palm Pilot has been an obvious success and need not be ignored.
All the failure means is that the product did not adequately suit the
consumers’ needs and better market research is needed.