Amazon vs. Apple: Competing Ecosystem Strategies
…Amazon is differentiating itself from Apple in terms of both its footprint and its profit model. Apple captures the bulk of its profits the moment an iPad is sold, while its partners capture value over time as users consume services. In contrast, Amazon’s profits accrue over the lifetime of the customer with every on-platform purchase In this regard, Amazon’s incentives seem more aligned with those of its media partners (“we win together over time”) than Apple’s with its partners (“I win first; you later…maybe”).
Aligning, enticing, and — occasionally — subsidizing partners are the new ante in the ecosystem game. Amazon and Apple will go down as case studies in alternative strategies for succeeding in ecosystems. Their product-focused rivals will illustrate what it means to be “stuck in the middle.”
Click to read the entire piece in HBR
12 predictions for Africa Tech Scene in 2012
It has been a banner year for the Africa technology scene as the world begins to turn to the continent – The Economist Africa rising cover story article was for many, a big validation in the future opportunities as well as challenges for Africa.
Here is a list of 12 predictions compiled by Mbwana Alliy for Afrinnovator
1) Feature phone to Smartphone + a touch of Tablet: Smartphone adoption will grow among Africa’s emerging middle class as entry prices for an unlocked phone continue to dip below $100. Nokia/Microsoft Symbian/Windows Phone and Google/Samsung Android will battle for smartphone dominance- Nokia’s strong brand and feature phone momentum will prove to be an advantage. But affordable Chinese smartphones led by Huawei’s Ideos will continue to tempt Africans to upgrade. Tablet usage will begin growing as prices drop below $200 starting within education sector. Check out the Nigerian tablet from Encipher based on Android, locally designed hardware customized to a big local market like Nigeria is a smart strategy if prices are kept in check. RIM’s Blackberry will continue to be adopted by the elite and corporate circles- one of the last bright spots for RIM’s declining dominance who initially popularized the smartphone category.
2) Evolution & Maturity of Mobile Money: Mobile money will begin to grow with other mobile operators in other countries (emulating Safaricom’s M-PESA success in Kenya) after operators refine and adapt their marketing and customer education programs
General Mills Accelerates Digital Marketing Innovation With Launch of G-WIN Digital
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - General Mills is expanding its successful General Mills Worldwide Innovation Network (G-WIN) open innovation program to include emerging digital marketing technologies with the launch of G-WIN Digital. Through G-WIN Digital, the company seeks to connect with partners who have digital marketing technologies focusing on video, social, mobile and gaming.
“From the Betty Crocker radio programs in the 1920s, to sponsoring the first televised commercial sports broadcast in 1939, to the Betty Crocker iPad app today, General Mills has a rich history of using emerging technology to develop relationships with consumers,” said Mark Addicks, General Mills senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “Today, digital marketing innovation is essential for us to connect and engage with consumers when and where they seek inspiration.”
“Open innovation has proven to be a successful business strategy for General Mills,” said Addicks. “We believe that projects discovered through G-WIN Digital will help us find effective and efficient ways to connect General Mills brands with consumers.”
Prospective partners with emerging digital technologies can contact General Mills online by visiting www.GWINDigital.com. Submissions are evaluated according to several criteria, including application for General Mills brands, uniqueness and proof of concept. Media plan proposals, original content ideas and media kits will not be accepted….Continue reading press release
