Apple sues clone maker Psystar - The Top 5 Marketing Mistakes They are Making

July 15, 2008

Well unless you are a techie that is under a rock or for what ever reason don’t read the news, Apple is suing Psystar a maker of Apple clone computers. Now before we get into a EULA debate or how great Apple is I would like to talk a little about the marketing and business opportunities that Apple always leaves on the table. Since people like tops 5 lists etc. here you go.

 

The TOP 5 Business and Marketing mistakes Apple is making with Psystar

 

Short Sited - Again apple is failing to see the big picture and staying with the island unto it self motto. The main reason that Apple is always in trouble down the road is because they go it alone in their business and also in their vendor relationships. This is one reason they needed the cash infusion that Bill Gates gave them many years back. Yes it was to help Microsoft’s antitrust issue as well. I grew up with Macs in school but later switched to PC computers. Why? because I had many choices of computers to pick and I could EVEN BUILD IT MYSELF! If you really have a better product in your OS then flood the world with it. Open up your hands and set it free, for a fee of course. Imagine if 98% of the world had a choice to run OSX on their current system like they do Linux. HELLO :)

Tarnishing their Image - Yes it is happening. Even forums that I read who contain MAC lovers are starting to compare Apple to Microsoft. Starting to say it is time to open up your systems. I even saw an episode of Kathy Griffin Life on the D List where her new boyfriend Steve Wozniak unlocked her IPHONE. The canary in the coal mine is the new generation really does not like to be trapped in a box. I would hate to be seen as the outdated over bearing parent of the products they buy. They may decide to just leave home one day if they see something better.

Leaving Money on the Table - I have been in business for a long time and call companies for my clients looking for mutually beneficial relationships. Here is an opportunity for Apple to have a ready made product that is most likely being sold to people who wouldn’t buy an Apple because of the price. What I would do in this situation is praise them for their work and help spreading a superior product to the market place. I would then work out a way for them license making the product for end users. That way you get your cut and most importantly the consumer gets what they want, YOUR SUPERIOR PRODUCT.

Innovation is so yesterday? - I am old enough to know details about how the computer industry started moving into a new era. I would hope that Steve remembers this as well. In stead of blocking innovation, go back to your roots. If you are seen in the market place as a cooperative innovator you will move ahead of the competition by leaps and bounds. I applaud your new store for the iphone. It is a move in the right direction. I also think it is funny how many of the IDEAS that Apple came up with came from Xerox including their GUI operating system. Go watch a show on PBS called Triumph of The Nerds or read the transcripts especially show 3 to see parts of the truth. Bring your business hat and pay attention.

Be careful what you wish for? - The worst thing that could happen is you get what you want and are seen as destroying a small business. This is also short sited because I could see lots of people wanting to help PSYSTAR if you did win on their appeal based on The first sale doctrine. Because I believe that many people believe they should be able to do what they want after they buy a product. People who have money to spend on more of your products. I couldn’t imaging someone saying you can only use your kitchen table in your house, as a kitchen table, not as a desk, you cannot modify the table like cut its legs and make it a coffee table, and you damn sure can’t sell it to your neighbor or give it to goodwill. Come ON!

Feel free to share your thoughts on some of my quick ideas.

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Post Words: Short Sited, EVEN BUILD IT MYSELF, Tarnishing their Image -, Steve Wozniak unlocked her IPHONE, Leaving Money on the Table -, YOUR SUPERIOR PRODUCT, Innovation is so yesterday, I applaud your new store for the iphone, Be careful what you wish for -, People who have money to spend on more of your products

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Posted by Mark F | Filed Under An Executive with Heart, Feature Marketing Article, Full Marketing BLOG 

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