In its March, 2008 issue, Fortune magazine named Apple the most admirable company in the US . Since its establishment in California in 1976, Apple has grown into a multinational company with over 24,000 employees world wide and revenues in access of $24 billion annually . Its focus on ingenuity, aesthetic designs, and unique marketing campaigns has made the Apple brand admirable to tech-savvy consumers and professional users alike. Apple products such as the IMac, IPod, and the new IPhone have become household items setting new standards and new benchmarks.
It was not always good days for Apple. In the computer world, the company’s flagship Macintosh computer and Macintosh Portable computer are credited to be the foundation designs for today’s desktop and laptop computer . But a series of other ventures for the company, such as a confusing array of computer lines, digital cameras and speakers coupled with increased competition from rival Microsoft, Macintosh experienced troubling times in the early 90s. But with new leadership, strategic alliances, and coordination with rival Microsoft, Apple has re-established itself as a technology giant who’s presence and influence has undoubtedly altered the business environment it operates in; IProduct integration is a new phenomenon.
At the helm of its corporate structure sits Steve Jobs, current CEO and cofounder. Under his leadership the company launched the Apple Stores; a concept designed to promote Apple’s build-to-order business. Since then, Apple Stores have been opened through out the world and carrying an array of peripheral products . Apple’s partnership with rival Microsoft to produce an “Apple version” of the mainstream Microsoft Office application has made Apple computers more acceptable. Similarly, their ...