Introduction

Three of the most important technological corporations in the world—Google, Apple, and Microsoft—
have a significant impact on how we use and engage with technology on a daily basis. So why are they so
important?

Google was founded in 1998 and is well recognised for its search engine and online ad network. Apple,
which was established in 1976, is best known for its iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Microsoft was founded
in 1975 and is well known for its Windows operating system and Office product lineup. They all operate in the
same industry and offer a variety of tech-related products and services, including those from Google, Apple, and
Microsoft. We now talk, work, and live in an entirely different way because to these businesses.

Content

1.1

Apple, Google, and Microsoft each of these companies has a unique business model that has allowed
them to dominate their respective markets.They have each established themselves in different markets, with
different business models and ares of strength. However when critically comparing these companies, it is
evident that they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses.

1.1.1

Apple’s business model is built around creating innovative, high end products that are known for their
user friendlinesses and aesthetic appeal. For example, the iPhone has become one of the most popular
smartphones globally, and the MacBook Air is widely considered one of the best laptops in the market. Apple
also generates revenue through its app store, which charges developers a percentage of sales, and through its
subscription-based services such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, and iCloud.One of Apple's key strengths is its
focus on design and user experience. Apple's hardware and software are often praised for their sleek design and
intuitive user interfaces. Additionally, Apple has a strong brand image and a loyal customer base, which allows
the company to charge premium prices for its products. Another area of strength for Apple is its ecosystem.
Apple's devices and software are designed to work seamlessly together, which can make it difficult for users to
switch to a different platform. This can help to create a lock-in effect, which can lead to long-term customer
loyalty and repeat purchases. Their products have become a status symbol for many consumers, and their brand
recognition and customer loyalty are some of their areas of strength.

However, Apple’s has faced criticism over their high prices and their closed ecosystem, which limits
compatibility with other products and services. While Apple has a loyal customer base, its product line is
limited compared to other tech giants, which could limit its growth potential.Apple’s Financial success is
heavily dependent on the iPhone, which accounts for the majority of its revenue. This makes the company
vulnerable to changes in the smartphone market.

1.1.2

Google’s business model is primarily based on an advertising. The company generates revenue by
displaying ads on its search engine, as well as on its various other products and services, including YouTube,
Google Maps, and Google Play. Google also generates revenue through its cloud computing services and its hard
way products, such as the Pixel smartphone and the Google Home smart speaker. One of the Google’s key
strengths is its search engine. Google’s search engine is widely regarded as the best in the world, and the company
has a dominant market share in online search. Additionally operating, Google has a strong presence in the mobile
market, with its Android operating system powering the majority of smartphones worldwide.Another’s are
strength for Google is its data collection and analysis capabilities. Google has access to vast amounts of user data,
which it can use to improve its products and services, as well as to target ads more efficiently. This gives the
company a significant advantage over its competitors in the advertising industry.
 However, Google has forced criticism over its data collection practices, such as the collection of personal
data from users’ search histories and emails. This has led to privacy concerns among some of its users, and the
company has faced lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny over its data collection practices.

1.1.3

Microsoft’s business model focuses on providing software and services to businesses and consumers.
They have established themselves as a dominant player in the enterprise software market, with their Windows
operating system, has been the most popular operating system for personal computers globally, with over 80%
market share. Additionally, Microsoft’s Office suite, which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is the most
widely used productivity software globally. Microsoft also generates revenue through its gaming division, which
includes the Xbox console and the online gaming service, Xbox Live.

One of Microsoft's key strengths is its dominance in the enterprise market. Many businesses rely on
Microsoft's software for their day-to-day operations, and the company has a strong presence in the cloud
computing market through its Azure platform.Another area of strength for Microsoft is its gaming division. While
not as profitable as its enterprise software division, the gaming division has a strong following, and the Xbox
console is a popular gaming platform worldwide.

However, Microsoft has faced significant challenges in the consumer market, particularly in the mobile
and gaming sectors. For example, the Microsoft Surface tablet, which was aimed at competing with the iPad, has
struggled to gain market share. Additionally, the Xbox gaming platform has faced tough competition form Sony’s
PlayStation and Nintendo’s Switch.

1.2

In terms of innovation, Apple known for leading the way in terms of product design and users experience.
For example, the original iPhone, which was launched in 2007, revolutionised the smartphone market with its
touch screen and app ecosystem. Additionally, Apple’s MacBook Air is widely considered one of the most
innovative laptop designs, with its thin and lightweight form factor. Google, on the other hand, is known for its
data-driven approach to innovation, which machine learning artificial intelligence being a significant focus of the
company . For example, Google, on the other hand, is known for its data-driven approach to innovation, with
machine learning and artificial intelligence being a significant focus of the company. For example, Google's
Google Photos app uses machine learning algorithms to organise and categorise photos automatically. Microsoft
is seen as more of a steady innovator, focusing on improving its existing products and services rather than creating
new ones.

In terms of sustainability, all three companies have made commitments to reducing their environmental
impact. For example, Apple has committed to using 100% renewable energy across its operations, and all of its
products are designed to be recyclable. Google has made significant investments in renewable energy, with the
goal of being carbon neutral by 2020. Additionally, Google's Nest Learning Thermostat is designed to help users
save energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Microsoft has also committed to sustainability, with a goal of being
carbon negative by 2030.

Each of these companies has unique business models and areas of strength, but they are not without their
weaknesses. By understanding their weaknesses, these companies can work to address them and maintain their
market leadership. Apple’s focus on design and user experience, Google’s dominance in online advertising and
mobile, and Microsoft’s strength in enterprise software and gaming make them each formidable competitors in
the technology industry.

2.0

Mobile computing is essential for Apple, Google, and Microsoft because it represents a significant and
growing portion of the overall computing market. Mobile devices have become an essential tool for both
consumers and businesses, and the ability to provide a high-quality mobile platform is critical for the success of
these three companies. The question is why mobile computing are so important to these three firm?

2.1

Mobile computing is a major source of revenue for these companies. For Apple, the iPhone is its biggest
revenue generator, while for Google, mobile advertising accounts for a significant portion of its revenue.
Mobile computing has become a major source of revenue for Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Apple's iPhone is
its biggest revenue generator, accounting for over half of the company's total revenue. Similarly, mobile
advertising is a significant portion of Google's revenue, with mobile search ads and YouTube mobile ads being
key drivers of growth. For Microsoft, mobile computing is becoming increasingly important as the company
looks to expand its presence in the mobile market. This revenue stream has led to increased competition in the
mobile market, with each company trying to differentiate itself through its mobile platform offerings.

Mobile computing also allows these companies to engage with users on a more personal level. Mobile
devices are typically used throughout the day and are carried everywhere, making them a prime platform for
companies to deliver personalised content, services, and advertising. For example, Apple's iOS provides users
with a personalised experience through its Siri virtual assistant, which can learn user preferences over time and
provide personalised recommendations. Similarly, Google's Android provides users with personalised
recommendations through its Google Now feature, which offers personalised information and suggestions
based on the user's search history and location.

In addition, mobile computing has allowed these companies to create a powerful ecosystem of products
and services. Apple's ecosystem of products, which includes the iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers, is designed
to work seamlessly together, creating a strong ecosystem that keeps users within the Apple ecosystem.
Similarly, Google's Android operating system is used by a wide range of devices, creating a broad ecosystem
that provides access to Google's suite of services. Microsoft's focus on cloud services like Microsoft 365 and
Azure could help the company gain a foothold in the mobile enterprise market, creating a powerful ecosystem
for businesses.

2.2.1

Apple's mobile platform offering is centred around iOS, the operating system used on the iPhone and
iPad. iOS is known for its user-friendly interface, high level of security, and strong app ecosystem. Apple's
mobile devices are also known for their premium design and build quality, which has helped establish a loyal
customer base. Additionally, Apple's ecosystem of products and services, such as iCloud, Apple Music, and
Apple Pay, make it easy for users to access and use Apple's products across multiple devices.

One of the key strengths of Apple's mobile platform is the App Store, which has over 2 million apps
available for download. The App Store is tightly controlled by Apple, which ensures that apps are high-quality,
safe, and secure. This helps to create a better user experience and protects users from malicious apps.
Additionally, the App Store is a significant source of revenue for developers, with Apple paying out over $100
billion to developers since the launch of the App Store.

2.2.2

Google's mobile platform offering is centred around Android, which is the most widely used mobile
operating system in the world. Android is known for its flexibility, allowing device manufacturers to customize
the operating system to meet their specific needs. Google's suite of services, including Google Maps, Google
Assistant, and Google Drive, are seamlessly integrated into the Android platform, making it easy for users to
access and use Google's services. Google's mobile advertising business is also heavily reliant on Android, with
Android devices providing a large portion of the company's mobile advertising revenue.

One of the key strengths of Android is its open nature, which allows developers to create apps and
customise the operating system to meet their specific needs. This allows for greater innovation and creativity, as
well as a wide range of device options for consumers. Additionally, Google Play, the app store for Android, has
over 3 million apps available for download, providing users with a wide range of options.

2.2.3

Microsoft's mobile platform offering is centred around Windows 10 Mobile, which is used on a limited
number of devices, primarily those manufactured by Microsoft. The operating system is known for its
integration with Microsoft's suite of services, including Microsoft Office and OneDrive, which provides a
seamless user experience for those who use Microsoft's products on multiple devices. Additionally, Microsoft
has been focusing on developing cloud services like Microsoft 365 and Azure, which could help the company
gain a foothold in the mobile enterprise market.

One of the key strengths of Windows 10 Mobile is its integration with Microsoft's suite of products and
services, which provides a seamless user experience for those who use Microsoft products on multiple devices.
Additionally, Microsoft's focus on cloud services could help the company differentiate itself from its
competitors in the mobile market, particularly in the enterprise space.

3.0

Applications and app stores play a crucial role in the success or failure of mobile computing for Apple,
Google, and Microsoft.

Apple's App Store generates a significant portion of the company's revenue. In 2021, the App Store
generated over $72 billion in revenue, making it a vital part of Apple's business model.Apple's App Store is
well-known for its focus on user experience. The store is designed to showcase the best apps, and Apple curates
apps to ensure that they meet high standards of quality and usability. This focus on user experience has helped
to make Apple's App Store one of the most successful app stores in the world.

Apple has a large and active developer community, and the App Store provides a platform for
developers to showcase their apps and reach a broad audience. Apple's focus on quality and user experience has
helped to create a strong developer community that is dedicated to creating high-quality apps for Apple's
mobile devices.

3.1.1

Google's Android operating system is open-source, which allows developers to create and distribute
apps without restrictions. This openness has helped to make Android one of the most popular mobile operating
systems in the world, and the Google Play Store is an essential part of this success.

While Google's revenue from the Play Store is not as significant as Apple's revenue from the App Store,
it still generates a significant amount of revenue for the company. In 2020, the Play Store generated over $38
billion in revenue.The Google Play Store offers a wide range of apps, including many free apps, which has
helped to make Android popular among budget-conscious consumers. The Play Store is also home to many
popular apps, such as YouTube, Gmail, and Google Maps.

3.1.2

Microsoft's focus on business users has influenced the company's approach to mobile computing and
app stores. The Microsoft Store offers a range of productivity apps and tools that are designed for business
users.The Microsoft Store is not as significant a revenue generator as Apple's or Google's app stores, but it still
generates revenue for the company. Microsoft has been working to expand its app offerings to attract more
users to its mobile platform.
One area where Microsoft has had success with its app store is gaming. The Microsoft Store offers a
range of games, including Xbox games, which has helped to make it a popular choice for gamers.
4.0

In conclusion, applications and app stores are crucial to the success of mobile computing for Apple,
Google, and Microsoft. Each company has its strengths, such as Apple's focus on user experience, Google's
openness and wide range of apps, and Microsoft's focus on business users. The success of their app stores will
depend on the quality of the apps, user experience, and revenue potential. These factors are essential to the
success of mobile computing, and the three firms recognise their importance and continue to improve their
business models to remain competitive in the mobile computing space.