I like how all three companies have such different business models, but are still successful. Microsoft sells software. Google sells advertising. Apple sells hardware and software bundled together.
I wonder where Apple would be if Jobs had never left?
That moment in the late 90s early 2000s where revenue was down and profitability was going up is very interesting. If I didn't know that time period coincided with Jobs return, I'd say they were just milking the cash cow at that point.
I think Apple will profit hugely from iPhone, iPod and iPad; however they won't take Microsoft position. Windows 7 is selling like mad. Software is more profitable when you sell it!
Google is making money from ads and search which seems to be a big promising market.
IMO, the most solid company is Microsoft. I can change my iPhone in 24 hours with Htc or N900, I can change my iPad with HP slate in less time. However, it'll take me months to decide if I should change to a Mac or Not and may be a couple of years to change to it permanently.
Google also seems to be more solid, If I chose Gmail, Google Search, Google Docs for my business, I won't change that easily.
Windows 7 is selling mainly because Vista didn't and they still have enough monopoly power for Windows to be a requirement. I don't think this will last though. Growth is in the mobile and appliance markets where Microsoft's offerings suck and they have no monopoly power. I expect their Office/Windows monopoly to crack in the next 10 years and then they're just another Sun.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Otherwise we would all be filthy rich by now.
Sticking to the topic: Apple is well on its way to becoming the future Sony. Microsoft is throwing money at everything it can (which is a surprisingly effective strategy sometimes), and Google is throwing money and brains at interesting problems.
but sony has proved that it could go on for almost seventy years even after the death of the founder, while apple had a pretty bad time when the charismatic leader was not there.
I am honestly wondering if apple can survive steve.
There were lots of rumors about the health of Jobs swirling around, the press was consumed with them – but that’s not the same as having a bad time. I think it’s still a open question as to whether Apple without Jobs can succeed and I would even go so far as to say I’m carefully optimistic.
sorry i did not express myself clearly: I was not talking of the recent health issues, I am thinking of the years in which he was not at apple (eightysomething to '97)
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Otherwise we would all be filthy rich by now.
No, the market price of Microsoft stock would simply adjust to that expectation. In fact, this would preclude you from ever becoming filthy rich by making smart investments.
Depends on what I would swap with me. (E.g. am I allowed to keep my current age, or do I also swap the age with the rich guy from 1900? What about my health and knowledge?)
