Let us consider another example. Hewlett-
Packard was historically known for high quality,
high functionality products in computing and
measurement that few, if any, could deliver. As
these products became commoditized, customers
expected HP to lower its prices, while maintaining
a high level of functionality. In HP’s case the transition
has been from high quality and functionality
at a premium price, to differentiation through a
competitive combination of price, functionality,
and delivery performance. The customer today
is looking for a tradeoff: “Can you customize it
for my requirements and can you deliver it reliably?
And, oh, by the way, keep the price down”
(http://www.internetsolutions.enterprise.hp.com/
supplychain/library/articles/30000_feet.html).