by Holly Shoemaker
I recently read a special on cnn.com regarding how Apple should
become a more open company. The article argued that Apple is more
transparent than people think because it has to hold itself accountable to
customers, employees and shareholders. That point is not a unique argument to
companies. All of them, to some degree, need to divulge certain information,
with public companies having a higher burden of course.
The article also argued that as Apple continues to grow, it will by default
become less secretive. Apple has already grown throughout the years, and the
company maintains that
secrecy helps the company’s product development. With stock hitting record
highs after the iPhone 5 launch and the Court upholding
its patents, Apple does not need to become more open. In addition, the
article discussed how Research in Motion (RIM) had to make itself more
accessible to the public. RIM had no choice as it continues to suffer from not
releasing the BlackBerry 10 update.
There are two areas that Apple will have to continue to work on: gaining
customers trust back on Apple
Maps and ensuring that it holds true to its word on
improving
working conditions in Chinese factories. That may take a little more
time as Foxconn continues to gain bad press.
Concluding Thoughts
Consumers know that one way Apple retains its position in the marketplace is
through secrecy. It also keeps its staff members to upholding those standards.
Despite Apple coming across insincere at times, it has a formula that works and
loyalists will remain true to the brand. Apple will continue to sell products
because of its name.
Google will always remain more open and it should stay that way. Open-source
technology differentiates the companies and assists consumers with choice. Besides,
with Microsoft saying it may become more
like Apple that is enough for now.
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