It is very rare that we come across individuals who have contributed so much to the world.
Steve Jobs has done that and even more.
Humble Beginning:
Steve Jobs started Apple Computer along with Steve Wozniak in 1976 in a Silicon Valley garage and went to make it a world’s most innovative company.
Apple1 computer was launched in 1976.
Going Public:
Then came Apple II, this became a huge success and it culminated into his company going public.
The invention of Apple II was much before (4 years to be precise) the advent of PC’s by IBM.
Then in 1984 came The Macintosh from Apple. This brought the concept of Point & Click to the masses.
Steve’s Exit from Apple:
Things soured in Apple and Steve Jobs was fired in 1985.
New Venture:
Steve Jobs was not to relent and he founded “NEXT the computer company”.
When he was away from Apple in 1985, he bought a Computer Animation Film Company from George Lucas and named it Pixar, which initially did not do well but after the release of Toy Story it went to make history in animation films production.
Later in 2006, Pixar was bought over by Disney’s.
Steve’s homecoming to Apple:
In 1997, Apple purchased NEXT the computer company and Steve Jobs was back in Apple.
In 1998, Apple introduced the iMac the first computer which had the Monitor & the computer into a single unit. By 2007 iMac became the main revenue earner of apple amounting to 47% of its total revenue.
He became the CEO in 2000.
Forays into Music:
During his second innings with Apple he was instrumental in creating iPod, iPhone & iPad.
The advent of iPod in 2001 is a good competitor in digital music and it has revolutionized the concept of music. It has done away with CD’s and CD Players and downloading of iTunes became legal.
Smart Phone:
The invention of iPhone in 2007, made him very popular in technological developments. iPhone though a late entrant in the mobile telephony has already grabbed about 19% market share. It is an iPod for music, a revolutionary mobile phone and an internet communications device. This is the smart phone.
Tablet:
Apple has made the present day computer look dull. With the advent of iPad in 2010 the concept of a computer has been re written, probably one could call this a new era in computers.
This has led other computer manufacturers to relook at their products.
This has now catapulted Apple to a place far ahead of Intel & Microsoft put together.
Apple is today no more a mere computer company, it sells everything from a computer to a mobile phone.
The company has changed its identity from Apple Computers Inc to Apple Inc in 2007.
What is the mantra of Apple?
Steve Jobs knew that technological innovations alone can make his company a leader.
Months before the introduction of iMac he said that People often did not know what they want until you showed it to them.
Steve knew what people wanted before even they do themselves.
Steve said in 1993:
Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me, Going to bed at night saying we have done something wonderful…that’s what matters to me.
What makes Steve Jobs so special?
He was
Innovative
Creative
A Great Leader
Created new markets.
Obit:
Google’s Eric Schmidt has said:
He uniquely combined an artist’s touch and an engineer’s vision to build an extraordinary company, one of the greatest American leaders in history.
President Obama has said:
Steve was brave enough to think differently,
Bold enough to believe he could change the world,
And talented enough to do it.
Steve Jobs: A Great Innovator who changed the world. 24TH February 1955 -5Th October-2011.
We miss you Steve Jobs.
