Presentation

http://www.kean.edu/~jtorres/Apple-web.mht

Apple's iPhone, an Indian Flop, Prepares for China

http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/apr2009/gb2009041_266236.htm

We are all familiar with Apple’s iPhone, we know how versatile it is, how it has different applications. You would think that wherever iPhones are sold there will be mobs of people trying to buy them, wrong. In India the iPhone has barely made a dent in the phone market, but how could this be being that India’s phone market being one of the fastest growing markets in the world for cell phones.

Even though India has one of the fastest growing markets for mobile devices the iPhone has not sold according to Apple’s plans, there is more than one reason for this problem. One of them being the price, at $700 buying three iPhones would be equivalent to buying a new car, the Nano manufactured by Tata Motors. Another reason is that Indian executives see the iPhone as a device used by young people and it is not business friendly.

However Apple’s focus are set in China now, they will be launching the iPhone by midyear , and everyone will see how this turns out, being that China has the world’s largest mobile market China Mobile, there are also rumors that Apple might also sell the iPhone through China Unicom.
As Apple now knows, it will not be easy to win over the Chinese market and they have the example and experience from the Indian market, both markets are similar, they both have adopted other mobile brands such as Nokia. Also the consumer’s iPhone experience will also be shorthanded due to the fact that the Chinese Government does not permit mobile devices to have Wi-Fi.

However not all is dark for Apple, the bright side is that by the look of things Chinese consumers are yearning for the iPhone, the fact that there are an estimated 1 million iPhones already in China, all of them have been smuggled and have illegal Wi-Fi.

Conclusion

Over the past 30 years Apple has amplified from computer design to developing consumer electronics. The company was started by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in the 1970’s. Steve Jobs is the current CEO of Apple and is doing a very efficient job in running the company. Apple uses a differentiation business strategy, which means that all employees and departments work together in the creation of their products. Since the employees work together our products tend to be more productive. Apples main business initiative is customer relationship management. When working with or purchasing from Apple you are promised top notch customer service and assistance.

Apple uses many different types of internet business models. Business to Business e-commerce is used in the selling of computers to help operate everyday proficiency in other businesses. Business to Consumer e-commerce is the selling of iPods, computer, and other products to different individuals rather than businesses. Business to Government e-commerce is the process of selling of any Apple products to government operated organizations. As you can tell Apple works with many different groups of customers. When purchasing from Apple you are offered many different payment options. One payment option is electronic bill presentment and payment, this system sends bills over the internet and helps to provide an easy method for you to pay them. This method is most convenient for customers so that they can purchase and pay for their items without ever leaving their home.

In running their business Apple finds it very important to use database warehouses. They feel this way because it is a huge collection of business information that is collected from many different databases. They also utilize data marts, which helps them to focus on certain operations throughout the business rather than the overall summary of the business. In the analytical processing databases and operational databases which Apple uses the most consists of many different files. Some of these files are Costumer files, order files, sales files, and supplier files. In having these files it makes the entire business process for Apple more convenient and more efficient.

Apples product line has grown rapidly in the past few years. We are selling products in the following categories; input devices, output devices, storage devices, computers, and connecting devices. For more detail on our products read the section titles hardware and software, or visit our website at http://www.apple.com/ .

Apple is known to use a network called AirPort Extreme card. Airport Extreme card picks up a wiFi signal rather than a broadcast network. Apple is related to Bonjor connection. It is an automatic connection where computers and devices automatically broadcast their own services and listen for services being offered for the use of others. AirPort Utility for Mac and Windows guides you through the process of connecting to the internet, and you’ll have your network up and running in minutes.

Apple applies the four principles of network security by offering a valid source of confidentiality with their terms and agreement statement. Apple has their terms and agreement which explains their integrity and availability. Whether looking up online or calling the store via telephone any answer to any question is answered honestly. Their security and access controls explain Mac OS X Server is built on an advanced architecture to deliver the features you want with the security you need.

What we found to be the most interesting about Apple is how they are very innovative and early adapters. Apple is usually the first company to come out with a new product line before anyone else. This is very risky but it seems to be working to Apples advantage. This shows that taking risks can sometimes make or break you.

Technology

Interface & Network

According to Apple Expert, Kristy C., Apple uses a network called AirPort Extreme card, which is a wireless card that picks up a WiFi signal, not a broadcast network. Apple's new AirPort Extreme Base Station solves three major wireless networking problems in one blow: speed, range, and configuration. The gateway also makes sharing multiple printers and hard drives across a network as easy as plugging in a cable with no extra messy wires. This new wireless router promises roughly five times the throughput and twice the range of the previous model. And it is backward compatible with Apple's earlier AirPort adapters.

The AirPort Extreme still works with the AirPort Express (older version), which lets you extend your network and stream iTunes music around the house, securely with Wi-Fi Protected Access options to shield those things you would rather not share. “Its clean new design is similar to the iPod and Mac Mini, and its U.S.B. port now allows sharing of a hard drive as well as a printer across the network.” Apple says nearly all of its current Macs are 802.11n-capable.

According to Eduardo Kibel, an industry analyst with the mobile communications group of Toronto-based Frost & Sullivan Canada, the former wireless standard, 802.11g only had 54 MB per second, while the new standard will boast a speed of 270MB per second and increased range of 330 feet, from previous standard's 165 ft.

Media & Communications Software

Apple’s communications media/software is the Final Cut Studio 2 which includes Final Cut Pro 6, Motion 3, Soundtrack Pro 2, Compressor 3, DVD Studio Pro 4, and Color, for professional color grading. Final Cut Pro 6 features Open Format Timeline, Deep Integrating with Motion 3, Apple ProRes 422, FxPlug Filters and Transitions, Simplified Setups, Integration with Color, SmoothCam, Improved Audio, and Cinema Tools 4. Motion 3 features 3D multiple compositing environment, Vector-based paint strokes, Point tracking and match moving, 3D text behaviors, Dynamic retiming behaviors, Advanced Keyframe Editor, Image stabilization and SmoothCam, Synchronized Audio Behavior, and Seamless integration with Final Cut Pro. In addition, the Soundtrack Pro 2 consists of Professional multitrack editing, Multipoint spotting display, Surround mixing, Life & Stamp, Automatic audio conform process, Revolutionary “take” management, and Professional podcasting. Also, the Compressor 3 consists of Expanded format support, Streamlined workflow, Support for Telestream Episode Pro plug-in, Qmater AutoCluster, Sophisticated frame controls, Fine-tuned audio control, Dynamic video filters, New geometry controls, and Advanced encoding options. Lastle, Color features Introducing Color, Intuitive Task-Based Workflow, Primary Room, Secondary Room, Interactive 2D and 3D Scopes, ColorFX Room, and Geometry Room.

For more information you can follow this link:

http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/

Or

http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/whatsnew.html

If you want to learn about Apple’s many software’s you can follow this link: http://www.apple.com/support/software/

Connecting Devices

Apple is related to Bonjor connection. It is an automatic connection where computers and devices automatically broadcast their own services and listen for services being offered for the use of others. Every major printer manufacturer has now adopted Apple’s Bonjour technology, so you can add any modern printer to a network without configuring it at all. Your Mac will automatically discover and connect to any available Bonjour-enabled printer it sees on the network. Bonjour works with the popular standard connection technologies, including Ethernet and AirPort (802.11). It uses the standard, ubiquitous IP networking protocol for its connections, the same protocol that runs the Internet itself. And all of the technologies driving Bonjour are open — part of the standards creation process of the IETF, like Bonjour itself.

Connecting to the Internet

Apple connects to the Internet using AirPort Utility. If you think setting up a wireless network is difficult, think again. AirPort Utility for Mac and Windows guides you through the process, and you’ll have your network up and running in minutes. For the most basic setup, all you have to do is plug your AirPort Express into an electrical outlet and connect your DSL or cable modem. Then open the AirPort Utility software and just follow the onscreen instructions. The software takes you through step by step, asking for relevant information, setting up encryption and security, and configuring your computer to access your new network — all in plain English.Whether you use a Mac or a PC, the whole network can be ready to go in about five minutes. And if you want to do more — such as stream your music wirelessly or add a shared USB printer — it’s just as easy.

IP

Mac OS X Server is built on open, industry-standard protocols and the latest in network security standards. The result is due to Increased performance and security of server deployments. Using the time-tested BSD sockets and TCP/IP stack, this advanced networking architecture ensures compatibility and integration with IP-based networks.

Principles of Network Security

Apple applies the four principles of network security by offering a valid source of confidentiality with their terms and agreement statement. This statement also informs the customer that this information is in fact coming from the source it claims to come from validating its authenticity. Apple has their terms and agreement which explains their integrity and availability. Whether looking up online or calling the store via telephone any answer to any question is answered honestly. Their security and access controls explain Mac OS X Server is built on an advanced architecture to deliver the features you want with the security you need. It’s designed to protect your server, your network, and your data with a host of features — including built-in firewall with stateful packet analysis, strong encryption and authentication services, data security architectures, and support for access control lists (ACLs).

Domain Name

Domain names containing scripts that are not in the allowed list will be displayed in an ASCII format called "Punycode." For example, an imposter website with the URL " http://www.apple.com/" that uses the Cyrillic letter "a" would be displayed as "http://www.xn--pple-43d.com" for your protection. This conversion prevents disabled scripts from being confused with other scripts.

Hardware and Software

Input devices

Apple sells a large variety of input devices with over sixty three choices of mice and keyboards. Both the mice and keyboards come with the option of being wireless or not.

Our variety of mice and keyboards

The great option about owning a mac is that almost all of the computers come with a camera and microphone that is placed inside the computer so that it is more convenient for the user. There are also many other apple accessories that you can buy for you computer, such as scanners. There are many different types of scanners that you can buy to input information or pictures onto your computer. To be able to comply to all customers we also offer portable scanners.

Output devices

In owning any type of computer you are provided with an output device also known as the monitor. Apple is very well known for our thin product line of monitors. This appearance is more appealing and they are easier to fit inside of your home without taking up a lot of space. Our computers do have internal speakers put inside of them, but if you feel that you want them to be louder we offer speakers that you can purchase to connect to your laptop.

Other output devices that we offer for sale are printers. We have a variety of thirty five printers that come in all different styles, sizes, and colors. These way customers have the option of buying the printer that will work best for them and will look the most appropriate for their home or office.

Our Variety of Printers

Storage devices

If you feel that you need a place in order to store some of your information that can be used whenever you feel necessary you can purchase one of our flash drives. A flash drive offers portable memory space and can hold many gigabytes.

Central Processing Unit

The central processing unit also known as the CPU is the most important hardware device on your computer. The CPU is the hardware that interprets and executes the software instructions and coordinates the operation of all other hardware.

Connecting devices

A main connecting device that out computers have are USB ports. USB ports are used in connecting input and output devices to your computer. If you have a lot of equipment that you need to connect to your computer and you run out of USB ports that are provided to you , we offer an extension of extra USB ports so that you will never run out .


Computers

Apple sells almost every type or kind of computer. We offer desktops, notebooks, and a form of a PDA. If you own an apple phone you are provided with the internet and almost all of the options you receive when purchasing one of our larger computers.

Some of the computer that we offer are :

MacBook - 13.3in. $1,299

MacBook Pro- 15in. $1,999 & 17in. $2,799

MacBook Air - 13in. $1,799

iMac- 20in $1,199 & 24in. $1,499

Apple computers

Employees

The people that are in charge of all of the software and hardware for our company is Mark Papermaster and Bertrand Serlet. Mark Papermaster is the senior vice president of devies of hardware engineering.Bertrand serlet is the senior vice president of software engineering.

Application Software

Application software is the software you use to meet your specific information processing needs, and they can be categorized as either personal productivity software or vertical & horizontal market software. Apple’s application software include: iLife, iWork , iMovie, iPhone, iWeb, Aperture, Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Server, Final Cut Express, Logic Studio, Logic Express, Shake, Remote Desktop, QuickTime 7 Pro for Mac OS X, MobileMe Family Pack, and GarageBand ’09 to say a few. (Most of their software are made by Apple.)

System Software

System software supports your application software controlling how your various technology tools work together when performing specific tasks. System software fall in two categories: (1) operating system software (controls application software and manages hardware devices; multitask capability) and (2) utility software (adds functionality to the operating system software). Apple’s system software include: OS 7, OS 8, OS 9, OS 10.1 = 10.4, OS X 10.5, OS Hardware Test Software, Mac TuneUp, Norton Antivirous Dual Protection, Paralles Desktop 4.0 for Mac, Mac OS X Leopard: Mac OS X v10.5.6 Leopard Family Pack, Mac OS X Server, Mac OS X Leopard Server Licence etc., Mac Pro, X Scan, Xserver, and AirPort Extreme 802.11n to say a few. Apple’s “Linux” are: Shake 4.1 (Linux) GUI Floating Lic – Single and Shake 4.1 (Linux) GUI Floating Lic – VL 5+ , which are designed to handle the complex and high resolution composition.

Databases and Data Warehouses

Apple consists of many different types of files. Some of these files used in the business process are Costumer files, order files, sales files, and supplier files. In running a business databases are very important. We use analytical processing databases and operational databases. Both of these databases are used in helping to form and make decisions and holding information for Apple. The person that is in charge of these databases is Carol Hubler Tandem. Tandem is macintosh’s marketing manager and is help responsible for these two databases. OLAP, also known as online analytical processing, is used in Apple. The name of our OLAP is called Power*Architect 0.9.12 . In every business reports for managers are very important to be able to tell how the company and how the eomployees are doing. Apple managers obtain their reports through various computer applications and databases.

DATABASE WAREHOUSE

Apple does find the use of database warehouse very important in running their business properly. They feel this way because it is a huge collection of information that is put together from many different databases. In using the database warehouse it is a very complicated procedure but in the end is very beneficial in the decision making process of the business.

DATA MARTS

Apple keeps tracks of many different activities in the business by the use of data marts. Data marts help them to focus on a certain opertaion throughout the business rather then the whole summary of things. We feel that data marts are very important, they are smaller versions of our database warehouses, but make it easy to focus on one objective.

DATA MINING

Data mining consists of many different tools such as query and reporting tools, intelligent agents, multidimensional analysis tools, and statistical tools. Apple utilizes many of these data mining tools. Multidimensional analysis is used to view analysis in a various number of perspectives. This gives apple a better look and more detailed information from seeing things in not only just one perspective. Apple is very much involved in using the statistical tools to apply stats to information that is already in the data warehouse. In using all of these methods Apple benifits by aquiring more information needed to run their business and it helps them to make the correct decisions. The software that Apple uses for their data mining process is KnowledgeMiner . KnowledgeMiner is a data mining tool that enables anyone to use its unique form of modeling to quickly visualize new possibilities.

Apple's Impressive Quarterly Numbers

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jan2009/tc20090121_101972.htm

Doesn’t matter how you get your news, all you hear everyone talking about is the current recession, through these economic times it’s hard for companies to stay afloat, much less make some profit. But you mustn't look too hard to find a business that is flourishing.

Apple has released a report showing not only profit and revenue on the first fiscal quarter , but also a growth in sales. This break from the current situation is in part due to the great sale of the iPhone, which sold 4.36 million cell phones, almost double of what it sold the previous year.

On the computer side of things, Apple stayed strong relying on their new and slick notebooks, but sales of the desktop fell a quarter from what it was selling last year, it is currently selling 728,000 desktops. Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer explained that the difference in sales reflects what the market wants, and the market wants something slick and portable.

Apple has proved to be a strong company through its change from their CEO for the last 11 years, Steve Jobs leaving due to health issues to Tim Cook. Jobs handed down the day-to-day procedures to Tim Cook on January 14. As a new CEO Cook is already getting ready for the competing market, ready to fight it out with any iPhone challenger.

Business Strategy

E-Commerce:

For Apple, e-Commerce is used in ways that simplify the shopping process by culling the price and availability of products from designated Web sites, among other features. Sherlock II is Apple’s upgraded search engine technology, which creates information partnerships with other businesses, and even collaborates with other businesses on new product and service offerings. Business-to-business is used in a wide variety because shoppers can submit a query for a product they want, and Sherlock II will inform them who has the product and at what price as well as link them to the site. The company is working on adding the ability to search on specific sets of sites. When a set of e-commerce sites is selected, Mac consumers, as well as garner ad revenues will automatically display the search results in a window that lists all of the transactions made.

Internet Business Models:

Apple uses many different methods of utilizing the internet to connect to people and other businesses. Business to Business e-commerce is used in the selling of computers to help operate everyday proficinicy in other businesses. Business to Consumer e-commerce is the selling of ipods, computer, and other products to different individuals rather than businesses. Business to Government e-commerce is the process of selling of any Apple products to government operated organizations. As you can tell Apple has many different groups of customers and does not favor or focus in on just one certain group.

Marketing Mix:

The types of marketing mix that Apple adopts are Twitter updates, Ebooks, and My Friends List. Apple is adding users to its marketing mix by giving users a way to tell the world through traditional media; what they think about their iPhones and iPods. Apple has created commercials just for the YouTube community. There are icons on Facebook leading to sites that offer new updates about Apple and discounts or new technology.

Payment Systems:

In choosing to purchase from Apple you are offered many different types of payment options. Financial cybermediary is an Internet based company that makes it easy for one person to pay another person or organization over the internet. Paying for your items over the internet is a major way that Apple generates sales and revenus today. Another example of this is electronis bill presentment and payment, this system sends bills over the internet and helps to provide an easy method for you to pay them.Most business to consumer transactions involve to use of credit cards. For most of the business to business transcactions electronic data interchange is used. This is the direct computer-to-computer transfer of transaction information contained in standard business documents. There is always the option of paying for items with cash or gift cards.

Business Strategy

Generic Business Stratigies:

Apple uses a differentiation business strategy, which falls under e-collaboration. Apple’s employees and departments work together in the creation of their products. Apple believes in deep collaboration, and that a great product is developed by all departments: design, hardware, software, etc. Collaboration (in an integrated way), control, and congruent engineering are some of the goals and behaviors Apple employees follow to create/develop innovating products. Apple has an integrated collaboration environment where virtual teams do their work. Also, Apple uses a process like the knowledge management system where the IT system supports the capturing, organizing, and dissemination of knowledge throughout the organization. The KM has to make sure that the company’s knowledge of facts, source of information, solutions, patents, trademarks, and the best-practice processes are available to all of its employees whenever needed.

Porter's Five Forces:

Buyer Power – High when buyers have many choices from whom to buy and low when their choices are few. High Buyer power due to the fact that there are different software programs and also different kinds of MP3’s on the market right now, and yet APPLE is able to overshadow them by its innovative thinking.Supplier Power – High when buyers have few choices to buy from and low when their choices are manyLow Supplier power due to the fact that APPLE designs and creates both; its hardware and its software. That means that all of the computers made have to use the software designed for it, not another company but APPLEThreat of Substitute products or services – High when there are many alternatives to a product or service and low when there are few. High as far as the iPod goes, because there are a lot of new MP3 players out there, some smaller in physical size, and you also have the Zune which is a direct substitute.Threat of new entrants - High when it easy for new comers to enter market and low when there are significant entry barriers to entering a marketLow threat because to enter in any level to be able to compete against apple you would have to be very innovative and also must have the cool design and yet the usefulness of their software or hardware. Rivalry among existing competitors – High when competition is fierce in a market and low when competition is more complacent High rivalry among Apple’s competitos. Lets take the commercial of MAC and PC, they are directly comparing each other to show how the old rivalry of the old software developers has become this epic struggle of power between two major companies of the computerized world, or three if you even want to count LINUX.

Business Initatives:

For Apple, one of the major business initiatives that are used are customer relationship management. When you walk into the actual store or call for technical support, they are always extremely helpful and ensure that the problem you're facing is fixed. They also use sales forces automation. They are always looking to sell their products in numerous ways, via online, television and magazines etc. The software used is a modern operating system that combines a stable core with advanced technologies to help you deliver world-class products. The technologies in Mac OS X help you do everything from manage your data to display high-resolution graphics and multimedia content, all while delivering the consistency and ease of use that are hallmarks of the Macintosh experience. Knowing how to use these technologies can help streamline your own development process, while providing you access to key Mac OS X features. These are top-line initiatives because overall they increase revenue. They reach new customer segments, offer new products and achieve in cross-selling related services

IT Organization:

Apple uses the Matrix IT method. This method is the used to maintain the IT personnel function but to also spread them across all of the other functions. This means that instead of having one boss or person to report to, they will have two or even sometimes several. Apple follows this Matrix function very seriously and that is one of the main reasons why Apple is so successful today. They are able to have everyone connected in all of the activities rather than having everyone in different departments working separately. Apples philosophical approach would be listed as Decentralized and also early adopters..Decentralized are early adopters of technology that empower their employees throughout the organization to try new and emerging technologies. Apple is always one step ahead and open to trying new things.

Introduction

Over the past 30 years Apple has amplified from computer design to developing consumer electronics. The company was started by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in the 1970’s. Steve Jobs the CEO of Apple dropped out of college after only one semester. He began a job at Atari Inc. a leading manufacturer of video games which is where he met Wozniak. In 1976, Jobs and Wozniak founded Apple Computer Co. in Job’s family garage. Their main goal of their company was to develop personal computers. Job’s idea was a success and the first personal computer sold for $666.66. One of their first designs was the Apple I which had very limited features. They then moved onto the Apple II which was presented to the public in 1977. The Apple II featured graphics and color which was different from the Apple I. Job’s also wanted to develop a stronger case and keyboard for the new Apple. In 1980 Apple went public launching the Initial Public Offering of its stock to the public investors. This instantly created more millionaires than any company in history. In 1985 Job’s left Apple only to return when Apple purchased his company Next and it’s Next step operating system in 1996. This was the beginning of Job’s position CEO. In 1997 Apple entered into a partnership with Microsoft. This meant Microsoft agreed to a five yea r commitment to release Microsoft Office for Macintosh including a 150 million dollar investment in Apple. 1998 and 2001 marked the introduction of the iMac, iBook, and Power Mac G4. The 2001 birth of the Mac OS X was aimed towards professionals and consumers because of its stability, reliability and security. A line of Apple retail store began opening in May 2001. Apple introduced the first iPod in October of 2001 starting out with the capacity of 5 gigabytes and has increased as of 2009 to 160 gigabytes. The newest invention from Apple would be the iPhone 3G which supports faster data speeds and has assisted GPS. In January 2007 Apple officially changed its name from Apple Computer, Inc. to Apple Inc. Apple has a number of social and ethical responsibilities in place. Apples main goal is to ensure social responsibility anywhere their product is made. Apple also has a code of conduct and the whole company is ran around it. Apple has a very good security system. They are constantly monitoring their products and computers in the work place to prevent risk of hackers or any other problems.


http://www.apple.com/