=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This E-mail is Sponsored by: Small Dog Electronics
--> Specializing in New & Factory Refurbished Apple computers <--
Surf to <http://www.smalldog.com> Check out our daily specials!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
http://www.insanely-great.com/news.php?id=1586
Apple Japan: 'We will build a biz-friendly environment'
By ron carlson, Insanely Great Mac
January 24th 2003
The company plans a two-pronged offensive to penetrate the enterprise
Nikkei Biz Tech has posted a Q&A interview with Apple Japan president Eiko Harada in
which he speaks about the mothership's newest products and more business-friendly
marketing strategy.
On the subject of the new 12-inch PowerBook G4, Harada told Nikkei that this new model
has particular appeal to users in Japan and that although the company is building
stock for its release at the end of the month, supplies may not last due to pent up
demand for a full-powered model of its size.
Also, a Japan-specific adjunct to Apple's "switch" campaign is a direct-contact
approach to attracting new business customers to the platform.
Harada says that, although his company's sales force is currently rather small, new
talent will be recruited to extend Apple Japan's business-to-business offensive.
"To this end, we resumed a business seminar in December 2002 to disseminate
Apple-related information," he said. "We received favorable responses about this
seminar, so we plan to hold it successively in 2003 with richer, more quality
information.
"Through activities including this seminar, we are constructing a platform where
business dealers can find services and products that correspond to the requests from
Mac users," Harada added.
Lastly, Apple Japan's president discussed the problem of "restrictive platform
requirements" (a code phrase for 'Windoze-only') and how it restricts the Mac's appeal
to business users.
"We think it is our mission to improve the environment where Mac users can enjoy
operations with satisfaction in their business and personal lives," Harada told Nikkei.
Editor's note: Amen, brother. However, it's sad that often the quest for standards
adherent environments and open access sounds like yet another needy "minority
campaign."
"Why can't you just be like the rest of us?" comes the cry.
Human, all too human...
=-=-=
Web links for articles available on Web site version. Please refer to Web site version
for all revisions, corrections and updates.
Post comments to this article and view reader comments at the Web site. Web site
version of this article can be viewed at:
http://www.insanely-great.com/news.php?id=1586
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Copyright (c) 2002 Insanely Great Mac. All rights reserved. This article
may not be republished in part or whole without explicit written
permission from Insanely Great Mac.
Brought to you by Insanely Great Mac <http://www.insanely-great.com/>
Please visit <http://www.insanely-great.com/macnews.php> to manage your
subscription (Subscribe, Digest Switch, Unsubscribe).
Subscription problems/questions please email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
