Apple’s Macintosh Computers: A Technology That Achieved Dominance Essay

1) Choose a technology and assess the process of dominance that led to a leading technology standard using the factors, battle milestones, and key phases of dominance from the article, Suarez, F. 2004. â€Å"Battles for technological dominance: an integrative framework†, Research Policy. Volume 33, Issue 2, pp. 271†286. A technology that achieved dominance is Apple’s Macintosh computers. According to Suarez’s article (1)â€Å"A technology—broadly defined as a set of pieces of knowledge, some of which are embodied in physical devices and equipment—becomes dominant as the result of a complex process by which several competing alternatives and versions are de-selected until a preferred technological â€Å"hierarchy† becomes evident†. Apple’s Macintosh and Microsoft’s Personal Computer, have been competing against each other for a number of years. However, Apple has distinguished itself from its competitors, and therefore achieved dominance. The factors contributing to a technology’s dominance influence the outcome of the technology battle. These factors are split into two groups. The first group is the Firm-Level Factors, which consist of the firm’s: Technological Superiority, Complementary Assets and Credibility, Installed Base, and Strategic Maneuvering. (1). There are a number of companies that offer personal computers to consumers, with many having similarities. To distinguish their computers from competing alternatives, Apple provides compatibility with their other products, such as the IPod and IPhone. Surprisingly, technological superiority does not always lead to dominance. (1) The differences between the technology and the competing alternatives must be great in order for it to dominate. In the case of Apple’s Macintosh, the unique I... ...ts. The fourth phase is the Decisive Battle, which means competitors develop a customer base. This is an important phase as customer’s decisions can greatly affect the firm. The last phase is Post Dominance, which clearly shows the dominant technology has emerged in the market. This phase can last for a long period of time. 1. Suarez, F. (n.d.). Battles for technological dominance: an integrative framework..com. Retrieved November 10, 2013, from http://www.sciencedirect.com 2. Martellaro, J. (n.d.). Surprise: Apple Sells to the Federal Government. The Mac Observer. Retrieved November 10, 2013, from http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/su 3. Licensing Brief - Licensing Windows and Microsoft Office to Use with the Apple Mac. (n.d.). Microsoft Volume. Retrieved November 10, 2013, from http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/about-licensing/briefs/apple-mac.aspx