Mega-Competition and Trends 8
Marketing/Distribution Channels 6
Technology, Innovation & R&D 8
Strategies For Competitive Advantage 18
The following Personal Computer(PC) industry analysis explores conditions in both the domestic and worldwide computer markets. Included in the analysis are the trends that have emerged within the PC industry as it begins to mature in the U. S. and as global demand continues to rise for U. S. computer systems. Trends that are covered include, but are not limited to, improving price/performance ratios, value-added product differentiation, industry consolidation, the use of multiple channels of distribution, technological innovation, shorter product cycles, heavy expenditures on research and development, focus on untapped markets in the U. S. (small offices and home offices) and abroad (Asia, Latin America, etc.), maintaining low inventory levels, and tight control of operating costs. International government agreements and legislation and their impact on the industry are also detailed. The analysis covers the performance indicators (market share, price/earnings ratio, fixed costs, etc.) of the main competitors in the U.S. PC industry, including Compaq, IBM, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Apple and Gateway2000. The analysis also covers the one year and five year forecast for the PC industry domestically and worldwide. Barriers to entry to the PC industry such as short product cycles and intense competition are also covered. The homogenization of the industry on behalf of both the demand and supply sides of the equation is addressed. The advantages and disadvantages of relying heavily on suppliers such as Intel and Microsoft are also analyzed. Finally, a list of strategies designed to promote competitive advantage in the PC industry are rendered. Throughout the analysis, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats posed by the internal and external environ...