The introduction of Apple and Microsoft companies marked a new era in the digital age. These companies have dominated the personal computers industry with innovative products and state-of-the-art customer services. Apple and Microsoft corporations were founded by Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, respectively. According to the 2015 documentary video by Kimberley Avers, by 1974, computers were never designed for the general public until ALTAIR 8800 was introduced by Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS) in New Mexico. However, the ALTAIR 8800 was very difficult to operate as it lacked the necessary components that make a modern-day computer such as a keyboard and a monitor (Avers, 2015). Jobs and Gates entered the digital sector with radically new ideas of making computers more personal and easier to use. Consequently, Apple and Microsoft corporations proceeded to become the world’s leading manufacturers of computer personal computers and computer software products.
The Iconic nature of Apple products can be attributed to Jobs’ unmatchable marketing acumen and prowess. More particularly, Jobs wanted to make computers more appealing not only to enthusiasts but also to everyone. As a result, he conceptualized the idea of making a fully contained machine that would incorporate all the needed parts into a revolutionary easy-to-use design (Avers, 2015). This innovativeness led to the introduction of the Macintosh personal computer as well as the most sought-after iPad, iPhone, iPod, and Apple Watch (Avers, 2015). Today, these products continue to inspire excitement among developers, customers, and the sector worldwide as they are constantly developed and updated according to the latest technology available. However, the loss of Jobs to pancreatic cancer in 2011 dealt a considerable setback to Apple (Avers, 2015). The demise meant that the company had lost a mindful leader that inspired innovations and fruitful marketing strategies.
Apple has been highly successful in the information technology sector because of numerous reasons. First, the company capitalizes on stylish-looking and diverse products, serving almost every market segment in the digital sector. Second, the firm’s business plan is dynamic and constantly changing to meet the emerging market demands. Since its inception, Apple has expanded beyond the production of personal computers to mobile phones, tablet computers, watches, MP3 players, and digital assistants (Avers, 2015). Third, Apple has engaged in partnerships that have seen the company grow from the risk of becoming bankrupt to a key player in the industry. For instance, in 1997, Jobs made an unexpected decision to partner with Gates, his greatest business rival, securing a lucrative $150,000,000 investment in Apple (Avers, 2015). This deal rescued the firm’s fading reputation in the mid-1990s stabilized it and helped it regain its momentum. Apple’s success is also contributed to the fact its customers remain loyal because the corporation offers the highest quality products in the sector.
Microsoft’s success in the computer software sector can be associated with Gates’s relentless desire to fill market gaps in the industry and become the pioneer innovator. For instance, Microsoft was the first company to create Windows operating system after discovering that the existing designs could not run business programs (Avers, 2015). As a result, Microsoft dominates the software market as it focuses on providing business solutions by enhancing corporate communication, information services, and productivity (Avers, 2015). Microsoft’s customers are exceedingly loyal to the firm’s products because Gates created a culture of enhancing customer experience by improving communication and creating a relationship that is based on loyalty, trust, and love. Moreover, the company has won customer loyalty due to Gates’s philanthropic initiatives, which have tremendously enhanced its corporate image.
In summary, Microsoft and Apple remain among the pacesetters in the information technology sector. The success stories of these companies are attributed to their respective founders, Gates and Jobs. The iconic nature of Apple’s products originates from Jobs’ desire to produce eye-catching, high-quality, and easier-to-use designs. Similarly, Microsoft products are revered as Gates has perfected the art of offering business solutions through computer software. Both companies have maintained unique business models that helped them gain incredible customer loyalty, making them the key players in the industry.
Reference
Avers, K. American genius series 1 1of 8 Jobs vs Gates 2015 [Video]. YouTube.