Business Week gave a good overview of the current state of affairs for Google and Apple back in January (post Nexus-one launch). Wired followed this up with an article a few weeks back discussing Google's much-heralded search algorithm, and how Bing poses the biggest threat to Google in this realm. Microsoft also emerged from the dead last month with the unveiling of it's Windows Mobile 7 OS to rave reviews. Of course, we are all well aware of the long-standing rivalry between Microsoft and Apple.
In an increasingly mobile and data-centric world, each of the three is trying to establish itself as the premier point-of-contact for the end users. It really matters not (for the time being) whether this is via the mobile handset, digital content hub, or search platform. We're still trying to figure out which aspect will be the most pivotal in selling your company as the best source for consumer usage/behavior, and it may wind up be a version that combines all three forms. With cloud computing just around the corner (late-2011, if you ask me), it will be vital to each of the 3 to have a dominant handset through which the company can maintain contact with the end-user as they navigate their digital library and/or the web.
I know I'm running on repeat right now, but it's absolutely fascinating to watch 3 of the 20-largest global companies openly battling in the same arena. I can't think of another industry in which hundred-billion dollar companies are explicitly seen as enemies by the public. The crazy thing? This is just the beginning...
Next week I promise to bring something new to the table! :D
ReplyDeleteScott, I think you brushed on something with your last link regarding cloud computing that could spark a great conversation.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I made the connection between the iPad and cloud computing until just now. When I first learned about the iPad, I liked the idea of using it as my home computer to surf the internet (including checking email). But that I would always need another computer to store photos, videos, etc. But it seems that Apple is smarter than me. I already use Google Docs to keep centrally located files I can access from work or home.
So if all my videos are stored using cloud storage system...and any movies I want to watch now come with a digital version I can access online...I am starting to see how the iPad can replace the home computer.
It also seems that Apple is approaching this the right way from a business perspective. Get the first version out there and make sure it's good enough to stand up to the first competitor's versions while continually improving your own product.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, don't try to do everything yourself. The App store for the iPhone and now iPad allows everyone programmer to help make their technology better, while Apple actually gets paid by these programmers (in terms of Apple getting a cut of their App revenue).
It wouldn't surprise me that if a few centuries down the road, all computers are either Pads or hardwired into the walls...and yes, I got that from Star Trek.
And regarding your mobile and data centric world link, I think I'm gonna wait till the price comes down a little from $90,000 to get one of those new faster routers.
ReplyDeleteAaron, I believe you're the first person to ever call Apple "open". Everything they've ever done has been exclusively done from w/in Apple (and led by Mr. Jobs), and their App Store is so secretive that it was big news when the EFF used a legal loophole to gain access (for the public) to Apple's developer agreement earlier this week.
ReplyDeleteI do, however, agree that the cloud, and which players become dominant in the sphere, will end up being one of the top-10 business stories of the next decade. The power a business gains by controlling all contact points with the end user will be enormous as advertisers increasingly look to find more efficient ways to sway the consumer.
The Cisco router will never be for the consumer. The Comcasts, China Telecoms, and Vodafones of the world will be purchasing the CRS-3. They will then tout how much quicker their networks are then their competitors to gain subscribers. So, while you will never directly see the benefits of the system, you'll indirectly see them through increased speeds offered by service providers.
Here's an interesting tangential article describing how strong the inequality gap is in the Tech landscape.
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty interesting. However I think in the tech world there is always the opportunity for something with a good idea and great execution to break through in the next phase of innovative products, much like Apple and Google have done in recent years.
ReplyDeleteI also like that you dropped an update in last week's tech post after dropping a new one this Thurs. Way to keep it going sir.
Google and Microsoft battle over your energy consumption. Thanks to Lucy for the link.
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