For instance, given that Apple software runs on Linux operating system, the company freely distributes compact discs containing Linux and other similar versions such as Ubuntu. Those who desire to possess these CDs will register online and within one week they will receive the products at their residence.
Another issue regarding Apple's marketing mix regards the distribution and selling of the products. The producer sells their products within their own retail stores as well as within other IT specialized stores. In addition to retail stores, Apple also distributes their products towards the final customers throughout the Internet and specialized magazines. In the case of specialized magazines, the reader of an IT magazine can place an order with the aid of an order coupon in the magazine and have the products delivered to their houses.
Category management/supply chain management (direct selling and outsourcing)
Currently, Apple is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of seven members and nine executive directors. The 14,800 employees are mostly located in the United States. However, Apple has recently began the process of outsourcing human resource to India. The process has led to numerous controversy. Apple claims that outsourcing brings about improved quality at lower prices, while specialized economists argue that the process causes job losses in the U.S.
Internet presence and online strategy
Apple Computers mostly uses the Internet to promote their products throughout vital information on the products, technical specifications and support services. Also, on the company's official...
The major disadvantage of online advertising is the lack of testing abilities.
Aside from promotion and advertising, Apple Inc. customers can also choose from a wide variety of online presented products the ones they desire and can order them via Internet. The products will be delivered to the specified addresses within the least possible time limit.
Bibliography
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, November 2006, Apple Inc., article was last modified on November 5, 2006, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Inc,last accessed on November 6, 2006
Myers, B.A., August 2005, Unix, Windows, Macintosh, Computer Almanac, Interesting and Useful Numbers About Computers http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/bam/www/numbers.html, last accessed on November 6, 2006 The Official Web Site of Apple Computer, 2006, http://www.apple.com/,last accessed on November 6, 2006 Yahoo! Finance, November 3, 2006, Apple Computer Inc. (AAPL), Key Statistics, http://finance.yahoo.com/q/ks?s=AAPL, last accessed on November 6, 2006
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, November 2006, Apple Inc., User Culture
Myers, B.A., August 2005, Unix, Windows, Macintosh, Computer Almanac, Interesting and Useful Numbers About Computers
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, November 2006, Apple Inc., User Culture
