Microsoft vs Apple Analysis

Apple vs. Microsoft Apple Incorporation is a California-based multinational company established by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs on April1, 1976. By the time the company shifted focus from computers to IT, its business coverage had expanded to include computers (laptops and desktop personal computers (PCs), iPod, iPhone, servers), mobile hardware, and software (Mac operating systemX, iWork and iLife suites), in addition to web-based services (MobileMe).

Apple, for around 35 years, rose to its peak, then deteriorated dismally, and finally scaled back up the ladder to grab hold of the status of leading Technology Corporation of the world. Apple's most influential persona has been Steve Jobs, its former CEO and co-founder (GRIFFITH 119). Microsoft Corp. is another multinational company, founded in 1975 by Paul Allen and Bill Gates, and ruling the computer technology world; the Washington-based company develops an array of software, online services, gaming hardware, etc.

However, the core business of Microsoft is its operating systems (OS) and office suites, which generate the most revenues. The company is famous for developing BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) interpreters for the MITS Altair 8800 microcomputer (MITS- Micro Instrumentation Telemetry Systems) (GRIFFITH 123). Business approach Apple is recognized best for its Macintosh PC and entertainment devices such as the iPod, iPad and iPhone. There are constant upgrades in these products, with more advanced technology utilized in each new model; consumers have responded enthusiastically and positively to them.

On the other hand, Microsoft is renowned for its Microsoft Windows OS and MS office applications. Apple, in the field of software, has developed the iLife multimedia and creativity software, and has entered the arena of audio and film as well, via its Final Cut Studio suite. Other Apple inventions include the Mac OS X and iTunes media management software. Apple's strategy with regards to new technology development and entry into markets differs from that of Microsoft.

The latter concentrates its efforts towards market domination, and wants to control and acquire all new features entering the market, while Apple is more interested in revolutionary ideas that attract rave reviews and acceptance as a game-changer. Apple seeks and discovers fairly unexploited innovative ideas and technologies, and builds on them for mass market appeal, and possibly satisfying the needs of a greater customer base (e.g. iPod, iPhone, Graphic User Interface (GUI), iTunes and Multi-touch (HACHMAN 17; Pullen).

Meanwhile, Microsoft identifies established ideas and technologies, and aims at getting a hold on their success, whether partly or wholly. It accomplishes this by taking advantage of its resources and reach, for tackling competition and gaining the market. Examples include Windows, MSN, Xbox, Zune, Bing, and Windows mobile. The company's production strategy aims at making it dominant in the market, irrespective of revenues coming in. A majority of technology corporations are following this market-domination approach irrespective of profits, making this the most effective approach for future-oriented firms (HACHMAN 16; Bajarin 44).

Reaching customers Microsoft Marketplace, the company's online store, provides all of its latest products, as well as third-party-produced hardware and PCs. The web-based marketplace displays all relevant details sought by buyers, such as product price, minimum requirements, specifications, and product comparisons (HACHMAN 19). Customers can choose products they want, drop them into the cart, and purchase them directly online via credit card. Microsoft Marketplace, however, is only available to certain countries (Malaysia, for instance, is excluded). Apart from computer software, the company provides smartphone software as well (e.g.

the Marketplace app store for the smartphone platform allows users of Windows mobile access to third-party-developed games and applications, which can be viewed and downloaded via this virtual store. However, the store doesn't suffice when it comes to interacting with customers; nevertheless, it is important because users demand a physical experience of products, an introduction to new technologies, and direct professional support (Bajarin 45). Apple, too, has an online store, Apple Store, which is rather different from Microsoft's Marketplace. Apple products have custom hardware and software, i.e.

the company is the sole provider of the warranty or service. Authorized company distributors deal with issues of faulty hardware; in the event they fail to fix the problem, it is returned to Apple. Apple Store provides company-developed as well as third-party software and hardware (Bajarin 45). Apple Store's specialty is their education discount to lecturers and students; products are given to these customer groups at prices below the market price, to encourage them to make an affordable switch to Apple.

Company website provides the only means for obtaining new information regarding the company. Similarly, its online store provides the only means for getting hold of updates and information on current product lines. The downside is that the store is blocked sometimes for product update or maintenance purposes. Apple's Apps Store provides third-party applications for iPad, iPod and iPhone. Mac as well as Windows users can purchase ringtones, music and videos from Apple's iTunes store (Bajarin 46; HACHMAN 17).

Conclusion To sum up, different firms adopt different strategies for reaching customers, owing to the difference in their target markets (users). When compared with the 20 thcentury, there are now several companies vying in the market, all.