History suggests that Stories will be an advertising success; then, the Alex Jones episode shows how un-monopoly-like social networks are.
Apple’s Earnings, ASP and “New” iPhones, Steve Jobs and the App Store
Apple’s earnings not only held true to form, but actually had an upside surprise in ASP. Plus, what an interview with Steve Jobs reveals about differentiation and integration.
Android-EU Follow-Up, Google’s Earnings, Facebook and the Stock Market
Follow-up on Google’s EU decision, and a reminder that Google really good for consumers. Then, Google’s strong quarterly results, and why the understanding Facebook’s strategic advantages may be divorces from their stock price.
The European Commission Versus Android
Examining the history of Android explains why the European Commission may be right to fine Google for its actions around Android, even as the reasoning feels off.
The Apple Espionage Case, Apple’s New Organization, The App Store Turns 10
A corporate espionage case involving Apple gives clues about Project Titan. Better news is Apple’s new organization. Plus, the App Store turns 10 and Apple won’t change its approach there.
Morris Chang Retires; Apple, Microsoft, Facebook Follow-Up; Who Gets to Be on the Steam Store?
Morris Change, the founder of TSMC, is one of the most important tech figures in history. Then, follow-up on Microsoft-GitHub, Apple and the App Store, and Facebook and the New York Times. Plus, why Valve is getting platform control right.
The Cost of Developers
Microsoft paid a lot for GitHub, because it had to pay directly for access to developers. It doesn’t have the leverage of users the way that Apple does on the App Store.
The Bill Gates Line
Understanding the differences between aggregators and platforms matters for companies interacting with them and also regulators considering antitrust.
The Moat Map
The Moat Map describes the correlation between the degree of supplier differentiation and the externalization (or internalization) of a company’s network effect.
Defining Aggregators
Building on Aggregation Theory, this provides a precise definition of the characteristics of aggregators, and a classification system based on suppliers. Plus, how to think about aggregator regulation.