Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while Introducing iPhone and Apple TV - Case Study Example

In addition to these competitive challenges, Apple is facing challenges from start-up companies that are able to advance innovative product designs that cut down on Apple’s market share. Apple also must consider how they will progress into the future as they decide if they should expand to a greater customer base or continue their niche marketing strategy. Finally, Apple must continue to develop strategic partnerships with outside industries as these will determine the extent that Apple is able to advance their products and financial status through innovative marketing promotions.

Describe the dimensions along which company success can be measured. Apple’s company success can be measured along a number of lines. One of the most overarching measures of success is company profits. While profit margins are the bottom-line determinant of success, it’s clear that there are a number of factors that contribute to this profit success; through consideration of these elements the Apple company can develop a path towards profit success. For instance, major areas of Apple success are elements of marketing and product design.

In both of these factors Apple has developed a strategy that has placed them at a competitive advantage over competitors. In succeeding in these categories Apple can develop an approach that contributes to overall company profits. Finally, Apple company success can be determined by the extent that they are able to continue to remain on the forefront of product design. Describe the critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple's future. There are a number of critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple’s future.

In regards to external factors Apple has faced increasing challenge from start-up companies that have been able to make technological innovations that have challenged Apple’s market share. Another important external factor is Apple’s need to establish continued strategic partnerships with outside industries as a means of developing product placement and advantageous economic gains. Currently Apple has been successful in developing strategic partnerships with a variety of industries. For instance, their partnership with the music industry has allowed them to make strong strategic and economic gains with their iTunes internet music sales program.

If Apple is to maintain critical success they will need to attend to these external elements. In regards to internal factors Apple is facing a critical strategic juncture where they must work to either cultivate their niche market or expand beyond this and work to establish a broader scale customer base. In addition to these strategic concerns, Apple must work to continue the marketing and design standards they have previously established. It is through these elements that Apple has both established company brand image and greatly contributed to their strategic advantage over other companies.

Describe how Apple's strategy stands up against industry rivalry. As Apple Computer’s operations extend into a variety of categories, there are a corresponding variety of industry rivals. Apple’s strategy stands up to varying degrees of success against their industry competitors. One of the major areas of success Apple has experienced is in terms of its marketing strategy. In these regards, it’