Reference no: EM132308590

Case – Alphabet and Apple

Situation: Arguably these 2 companies are the most successful and profitable in the world, so there is more than a little jealousy, suspicion, and hostility.

You are a new Market analyst at Apple. You ran into Tim Cook, the Apple CEO, in the hallway, and took the opportunity to introduce yourself and say how excited you are to work there, how he is a great leader, etc. As he often does, he wants to give new talent the opportunity to ‘shine’ so he gave you an assignment.

Here is what Tim said – “We are rushing around and finding Alphabet everywhere it seems– but we have not taken the time to have a strategic overview of the company conducted – I need someone objective and with a new set of eyes to review them and provide me a point of view on their business, and their intentions. And it must be facts, not just opinions – so data is key. Oh, I need this next Wednesday before my Board meeting on Thursday – so speed is also key. Nice meeting you.”

You rushed into your new boss, Ms. Gladys Notme, who enthusiastically said ‘get on it’ and rushed to finish her avocado salad.

There are at least 6 major questions you must answer, at a detailed and data driven level – there are probably more you need to consider, before recommendations.

1. How is Alphabet performing from all vantage points: customers, investors, press, etc?

2. Where do Apple and Alphabet directly compete head to head today? Where do they not, today?

3. What is the press saying about Alphabet’s future intentions – in terms of strategies and businesses? Will Apple see them as competitors in other areas of our business?

4. Where does Alphabet seem to be having problems, less impact – both in business areas, and in different parts of the world?

5. In particular, how does Microsoft fit into this competitive tableau?

6. What findings and conclusions have you arrived at?

7. Any basic recommendations for Apple’s CEO?