Apple, Inc.

Recapping a few of the points, I touched in my first paper; Apple, Inc. was founded on April 1st, 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak[1]. The company was founded with the vision of changing the way people viewed computers and technology, and it is now considered to be one of the biggest innovators in the industry and the second largest information technology company. The company offers several products among which we can find different software and platforms that allow Apple users to perform a wide variety of tasks. One of their most popular software is the iLife package, comprised by iDVD, iMovie, iPhoto, and iTunes apps. Apple has pioneered many markets by introducing devices and software that have opened the world of virtualization and made it accessible to millions of individuals. Information Technology (IT) is a crucial facilitator for improving customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and profitability and Apple has achieved considerable success using it. Therefore, in this second paper, I am going to research and analyze (a) Apple’s inception in the platform and software industry, (b) Apple’s applications that allow customers to access all kinds of information with a few clicks, and (c) Apple’s operating system, iOS, pros and cons.

Apple’s inception in the platform and software industry

Since the company was founded by Steve and Wozniak in 1976, the company has grown and developed some of the most revolutionary platforms and software. In particular, the innovation culture that is pronounced at Apple has played a significant role in positioning the company as the developer of some of the most effective platforms and software. The initial platform by Apple was used in the Apple I series of personal computers, which positioned Apple as a unique company. The second Apple’s platform was launched by the company in 1978 and was christened Apple DOS 3.1.[2]

The platform was used in the Apple II computers. The platform underwent multiple adjustments leading to the development of up to 8 variants of different platforms, which propelled Apple Company to be one of the major players in the IT industry. The company would later introduce Macintosh Computer in 1984. The Macintosh operated on the System Software 1.0, which was the first fully graphic computer operating system.[3]  Based on the capabilities of the Macintosh, Apple was a frontrunner in the software industry.

Apple’s applications that allow customers to access all kinds of information with a few clicks

The launching of iTunes in 2001[4] opened another era to Apple’s -and the world-  virtualization moving towards a digital lifestyle. Apple has turned digital from the way we read books, select the music we want to listen, and watch the time, to the way our kids do their homework or draw. Their minimalist and easy-to-use design and interface allow people of any age to interact with their products. With the iTunes, users of Apple devices have an opportunity to integrate their devices and be able to access information from iTunes platform from anywhere. The use of the iTunes to access different types of media has enhanced the reliability of the Apple devices making the brand preferable to the accomplishment of different tasks. Besides entertainment, iTunes also has content intended for a business audience. Specifically, the business persons have unlimited access to an unlimited range of podcasts as well as educational class availed through the iTunes U.[5] If adequately utilized, iTunes may be critical for knowledge acquisition, which is helpful for business people, as well as students at various levels who need efficiency in the access of learning materials.

Apple’s operating system, iOS, pros, and cons

Apple’s operating system, iOS offers multiples benefits to the users, with some of the unique features not being available to other systems such as Android. iOs offers an excellent UI and fluid responsive due to the unique technology on which it is based. Through this, the system makes it easier for users to perform tasks fasters. Due to the limited number of models of the iOS, designers have an excellent opportunity to design compatible Apps. The existence of multiple variants of a specific OS comp locates the design process as the developers are compelled to ensure that the developed apps are compatible with all the variants. The iOS also comes with free updates which are favorable to users. One c can also move between devices so long as one is signed to the iCloud. A major limitation of the iOS is inflexibility.[6]

The iOS only supports iOS devices, and one can only install software availed by Apple. This limits the capacity of users to enjoy a range of products and services.

Conclusion

The paper has provided an overview of the Apple Company regarding its entry into the software and platform development. As identified, the company pioneered some of the world’s revolutionary platforms and software, which played a critical role in its growth. iTunes is one of the applications that have been developed by the company, which permits users to access different kinds of information they may need. The applications assist users in accessing music, videos and an array of educational materials. The iOS is characterized by excellent UI and fluid responsive, which confers usability. However, the lack of flexibility in access of different applications is a major weakness of the system.

Bibliography

Richardson, Angelique . “Apple Computer, Inc.” Edited by Ellen Terrell. The Library of Congress. 2008. https://www.loc.gov/rr/business/businesshistory/April/apple.html.

Edwards, Benj. "The Apple Family Tree: Apple Platforms Through The Years". Macworld, Last modified 2013. https://www.macworld.com/article/2013350/the-apple-family-tree-apple-platforms-through-the-years.html.

Rawlinson, Nik. "Apple Was 41 Years Old In April, Here's Some History". Macworld UK, Last modified 2017. https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/apple/history-of-apple-steve-jobs-mac-3606104/.

“Apple Fast Facts.” CNN Library. 2018. https://www.cnn.com/2014/07/01/business/apple-fast-facts/index.html

Poretsky, Solomon. "Advantages & Disadvantages Of Itunes". Azcentral, Last modified 2018. https://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/advantages-disadvantages-itunes-3961.html.

Saranya, N. "Advantages And Disadvantages Of Android & Ios – Saranya N – Medium". Medium, Last modified 2017. https://medium.com/@saranyaan2710/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-android-ios-aa76e2b8f41.

[1] Richardson, Angelique . “Apple Computer, Inc.” Edited by Ellen Terrell. The Library of Congress. 2008. https://www.loc.gov/rr/business/businesshistory/April/apple.html.

[2]   Edwards, Benj. "The Apple Family Tree: Apple Platforms Through The Years". Macworld, Last modified 2013. https://www.macworld.com/article/2013350/the-apple-family-tree-apple-platforms-through-the-years.html.

[3]

Rawlinson, Nik. "Apple Was 41 Years Old In April, Here's Some History". Macworld UK, Last modified 2017. https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/apple/history-of-apple-steve-jobs-mac-3606104/.

[4] “Apple Fast Facts.” CNN Library. 2018. https://www.cnn.com/2014/07/01/business/apple-fast-facts/index.html

[5] Poretsky, Solomon. "Advantages & Disadvantages Of Itunes". Azcentral, Last modified 2018. https://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/advantages-disadvantages-itunes-3961.html.

[6]

Saranya, N. "Advantages And Disadvantages Of Android & Ios – Saranya N – Medium". Medium, Last modified 2017. https://medium.com/@saranyaan2710/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-android-ios-aa76e2b8f41.