Steve Jobs' ailing health brings incites two lines of thought: panegyrics about his work at Apple or strategic discussions about the future of the company. Apple is the most valuable company in the world based on its products and skill. But its Jobs-centered focus in the past presents a challenge for tomorrow. Is the 'wizard of Cupertino' immortal or replaceable?
Creator of the concept of integrated electronic devices, Jobs' gadgets and associated applications are intuitive, comfortable, fun, at times useful, attractive and yet practical, simple in design. They unite technology, usability, design and marketing. They are good for the user and the company due to their capacity to generate tremendous earnings by leveraging a multilateral Internet environment: a la carte music, micropayments, social networks, compatibility with other media and industries such as the press, where the iPad makes an alternative reading platform available.
Apple co-founded and revolutionized the relationship between everyday citizens and technology. The company should be able to survive without Jobs, but they will miss his tireless and hungry spirit. He promoted these viital characteristics during a famous famous speech at Stanford University during which he stressed the importance of being hungry to keep forcing rivals to answer to innovations and not fall prey to competition.
Replacing that charisma is a lot harder than creating a succession plan. The new iPhone4GS brings certain advances, but it is in no way redefining smartphones. A lower price is worth mentioning. Apple should not flag or it will drop from the tree. Jobs' successor and disciple has his work cut out for him.
