Apple's market success

Following Apple's better-than-expected financial results, Apple's market capitalization ($162b) has surpassed that of IBM and Intel and is nearing Microsoft's, which the largest of all companies. Following today's market close, Apple's rapidly growing marketcap is the fourth largest behind Cisco ($189b), Google ($208b) and Microsoft ($290b). Apple has continued it strong growth with continued success of the iPod -- selling more than 10 million during the quarter -- and growing Mac marketshare, as well as the iPhone's success have all helped it achieve unprecedented growth.

Much of its market success comes from the vast leaps and bounds Apple has made in recent years. In nine years, Apple has redefined the desktop computer with the iMac, introduced a revolutionary operating system, and has shaken the foundations of the music industry with the iTunes Music Store and iPod, to name a few.

In the last quarter, Apple has posted some impressive sales results, moving 473,000 computers, about half of which went to first time Mac owners. Over 120 million iPods have found their way into consumers hands since its introduction 2001. Apple develops a complete suite of software with each computer they sell, as well as many professional apps, reducing the amount of software a user requires when purchasing a new machine. The AppleTV and Airport Express help users share media throughout their homes.

Apple's success in the computer industry can be attributed to many things, from things within its control, such as the success of the iPod and the iTunes Music Store, but also to the inadequate implementation of Windows Vista. With only a 0.8 percent lead in OS marketshare over Mac OS X, many one-time faithful Windows users are abandoning the platform and finding a preferable alternative with Apple.

by MacNN Staff