Steve Jobs moves on

I just can’t contain myself on this!

I’ve been reading the various blogs, websites and forums this morning, all dedicating themselves to the fact that Steve jobs is stepping down. In many instances I’ve almost had to wipe the tears off the screen as Apple-ists try and gasp for air as the shock sets in as their hero decides to move on and ride into the sunset.

Of course, with this news, the stories take 3 routes – factual i.e. another selection of words to explain that Jobs has resigned. Future – what will now happen to the company? Past – how Steve Jobs saved the company and turned it into one of the most profitable companies in the world.

Well I have some thoughts of my own. Firstly, like anything in this day and age (and technology is no exception) there are cycles (or maybe circles as Google likes to call them). Nothing lasts forever. Microsoft had their day (20 plus years of leading the way) and regardless of what you think of Bill Gates, his company shaped technology, business, entertainment, gadgets etc. It doesn’t matter whether you like the company or agree with what they did or like their software or their mobile OS – they shaped technology. Simple.

But it wasn’t going to last forever. And so, a company named Apple (that Microsoft financially invested in) did two very clever things (aside from getting Jobs back in – via his then company) – they saw the future of mobile music. Where Microsoft continued down the OS route, Apple created the iPod. And they created iTunes. One piece of hardware and one piece of software changed the game – especially when they made them available to Windows users. The point is, without Microsoft, Apple wouldn’t be where it is today.

Looking at Apple now, they saw the benefit of mobile – the iPhone and the iPad. Game changers. Again, it doesn’t matter if you prefer Android (the fastest selling smartphones), are a PC user through and through, really dislike Jobs and his sneakers or love flash, Apple in the last 10 years have shaped technology. Simple.

And as for the cycles, well Apple probably won’t be as cool or future proof with Jobs moving role – in the next few years (after the next iPhone and iPad), it will be someone else’s turn. My money is on Google, although Facebook clearly fancy a go!


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