Swot Analysis On Apple

SWOT Analysis on Apple, Inc.

Organization History, including a Mission Statement

Apple Inc, established by two friends Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, designs, manufactures and markets a range of personal computers, mobile communication and media devices, and portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. The Company’s products and services include Macintosh (“Mac”) computers, iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV, Xserve, a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications, the Mac OS X and iOS operating systems, third-party digital content and applications through the iTunes Store, and a variety of accessory, service and support offerings (Edgar online, 2010).

The company first introduced its products at a local computer club in early 1976. The following year, Apple Computer released the Apple II, which became the most popular computer of all time, selling for over 15 years. During this time, the Lisa and Macintosh were introduced, the later which would supersede the Apple II and become the basis for the first Apple laptop. After several years of technical failures and unsuccessful products, the late 1990's saw Apple reinventing itself with new company goals. The company settled it's outstanding lawsuits with Microsoft, and in 1998 Apple Computer launched the iMac, a throwback to the Apple II both in design and application. The iPod media player was introduced in late 2001, with the iTunes music service following in early 2002. The release of these two products is now seen as a critical turning point in the history of Apple Computer, marking a return to high profits and brand recognition. By the end of 2009 Apple became the fourth largest PC vendor in the U.S. market with an 8% share. Its market capitalization went to $220 billion in spring of 2010. Through multi-million dollar marketing campaigns such as the successful “Think...