Apple Inc. is one of global giants

Apple Inc. is one of global giants in the information technology, information and
entertainment business. It has under its one roof, apart from a dynamic CEO, Steve Jobs, a
variety of projects that are the result of intense innovation and clever launch strategies (Curtis &
Gobham, 2005, p.14). The company is involved in all round operations ranging from designing,
manufacturing and retailing its products, expanding from its initial expertise of just selling
personal computers the company has successfully explored markets of high quality portable
computers, music players and recently launched cellular phones.
The breakthrough launch of the iPod in 2001 and the iPhone in 2007 saw Apple going
from a “quiet” firm to a giant of the industry seeking all media attention. The launch of iTunes in
2004 was another cap to its feather, which has led to Apple enjoying billions of dollars in
revenues and millions in profits (Laudon & Laudon, 2007, p.98). Though Apple Inc. has had
great strategies in place for its product launches and follow-ups, there are some important lessons
that should be learnt from the experiences of Apple and other companies in the market.
The biggest breakthrough however, was with the advent of the iPod and the opening up
of the iTunes store that really got Apple kicking off the ground. This report analyzes Apple’s
success in these areas, taking a brief look at the things that went right. It will further discuss the
things that could and did go wrong for Apple after the iPod market had taken a saturation stance
and how music sales were affected by Apple’s strategies. This will be followed by a set of
recommendations that Apple Inc. and its management could follow in order to undertake
calculated risks and explore different areas in the consumer market