Team 3
Apple Computer article questions
a) Deep collaboration means that the development stages for products are intertwined among the different departments for what the article labels "concurrent engineering". By designing and building products this way, different departments can get a gauge on other department's limitations and abilities. Collaboration can also be seen in the way apple developed the new iphone, Steve Jobs had the employees of Apple noodle around with touch screen technology as sort of a brain storming idea to see what they could come up with all while collaborationg with engineering to see what could be made. Another factor that has proven itself in the development of their products is that Apple does its own hardware, software, and design. This adds a synergy to the company. All ideas can be handled within the company rather than sending it out to a third party.
b) Our group found most interesting the product vision of Steve Jobs, as well as his very strict control over the company. He is mentioned in both articles as somewhat of a hands on type of manager, yet he is the CEO. He is able to see the ground level of employees while making the top manager decisions. His vision for the company is an original one. It seems Apple controls all aspects of developing their products. Most companies seem to concentrate on one thing. The traditional approach would be to let other companies develop different parts of their products. Apple has taken a bold approach and is handling everything internally. What remains to be seen, is how long will Apple continue to operate successfully, with this exclusive business model that is looked upon by traditionalists to be all wrong.
c) The iphone is special because it integrates all the existing technology into one seamless device. While the technology like texting and playing music are not new, Apple combines them in one platform that is above all, user friendly. The design of the phone is just great; we really like the big vivid screen. The idea that the hardware has been replaced by the software is great. By this we mean the touch screen. It is not fixed or rigid. The touch OS moves fluidly. Another great feature is the vertical and horizontal display. The iphone supports three different technologies as well. Clearly it's more than just a phone, becoming a super small computer that has applications developed almost daily.
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