1. Apple relies increasingly on software to broaden the market for its products. Software enables it to move into new markets and take a leadership position versus entrenched incumbents that often seem to treat software as an afterthought.
2. It announced new versions of its free Safari Web browser for the ubiquitous Windows operating system giving PC users a no-risk way to sample Apple software, and possibly switch to a Mac computer or buy an iPhone.
3. It is trying to expand its ecosystem of developers to increase its 4.9% share of U.S. personal computer shipments, and push into new markets including mobile phones and set-top boxes. It offered Safari's underlying Web technologies to outside software developers so they could write programs for Apple products, including the iPhone. (Promoting Safari as the way for programmers to develop for the iPhone, and for Mac and Windows users to explore the Internet, could help Apple compete in a computer industry in which software is increasingly distributed online). Apple's approach could make it simpler for Salesforce.com to extend lead management software for sales reps for the iPhone compared with other mobile devices.
4. It demonstrated Safari running twice as fast as Microsoft's browser on common tasks - the most innovative browser and the fastest browser for Windows.
5. Its next version of Mac OS X, code-named Leopard, will include Apple software called Boot Camp that lets users switch from a Mac to a Windows environment, without a performance penalty. The operating system is scheduled to be available in October.
6. It will not provide unfettered access to the iPhone's operating system to avoid compromising its software quality and security.
There can be revenue from piggy-backing on complementary products.
[Click here for full story at: BUSINESSWEEK.COM]
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