[Sigia-l] If microsoft had designed the Ipod packaging

[Listera]

Adam Carter:

> If they were aiming for it, they would allow their graphic designers
> to produce packaging that was designed to be popular with the
> creative-geek users and not feature driven users.

In case you missed it, the box was not done by Microsoft.

But, in general, just because Microsoft (or any other company) tries to do
something doesn't mean that they will actually succeed. The vast majority of
the companies have been trying pretty desperately to "kill"
Apple/iPod/iTMS/etc. Not for not trying, they have failed and many just left
the market altogether. One cannot therefore detect failure and, in reverse
order, thus conclude unwillingness as opposed to inability.

The lesson for us all here is the notion of careful mapping of a company's
actual capabilities to stated objects. As a consultant I face that dilemma
every time I take on a project. I have to guard myself against the going
into blind alleys where one or more aspects of the company (technical,
sales, marketing, operations, etc) are simply not suited to properly execute
an overall strategy I might come up with. It's easier to alter my strategy
than to expect that entity to perform out of its comfort or competence zone.

In particular, here, Microsoft seems to acknowledge what their shortcomings
are and promises to adopt a strategy that has worked for an another company,
Apple. If this is in their DNA to execute successfully is what we will see.

----
Ziya

"Innovate as a last resort."