- In the case “Fraunhofer and MP3” case (Opening case, Chapter 9, Schiller, 2013), what industry conditions lead to the revolution in audio distribution described in the case? Which stakeholders stand to benefit most (or least) from this revolution?
The innovative culture of technology is one element that cannot be controlled when it comes to its manner of embracing the concept of progress. It could be realized that through the different advancements in technology, the manner of creating and distributing music has changed through time. Among such developments include the creation of several music files into particular formats that would be easier to get access to. It could be noted that this development entails to follow along the trail of the long line of changes that invoked the creation of possible ways to make music more accessible for the public to enjoy.
Gone are the years when every single fan of a particular band or singer have to fall in long lines just to get their hands on the cds and albums of the latest singles produced and sang by their favorite artists. Now with just a click, a fan could already get full access of the music pieces released by their favorite artists online. Given that these music selections are shared by the producers through platforms like iTunes, they would be able to gain relative access to such arrangements and they could even get the version they best like among the selections provided to them.
The MP3 format was one of the most advanced revolutions in the music industry that created the possibility for people to become more involved in the aspect of appreciating produced music. This format allowed individual users of different gadgets utilizing different OS setups to enjoy the capacity of getting their favorite music right within their hands and enjoy listening to such arrangements whenever they want wherever they are. Relatively, the creation of such innovative formats for musical arrangements produced at present was specifically given way through understanding the concept of development, innovation and market response.
The creation of several gadgets in the market has prompted the creation of a format that would go with every music application. Back in the days when the internet became the a source of massive music files being shared and distributed between peers, it was realized by music producers that they need to go along with the development of perception of individuals in the market. Such development motivated them to create something more than just the ordinary. They wanted to make sure that everyone wanting to hear the music would be able to and downloading options would be the best choice that the listeners would likely be able to pick.
Allowing themselves to get into the process of immersing their operations according to what the market requires, many among the performers in the music industry felt the need to practically redefine the way they package their primary product, which gave way to the development of MP3 and MP4 formats that are generally playable in any particular gadget that has music applications. Practically, this option allowed consumers in the market to appreciate what the industry has to offer in a more contemplating manner. Aiming to improve consumer satisfaction, the music industry realizes the need to follow through change and become more involved in the creation of developmental options that would increase the manner by which they do business with their loyal clients in the market. Practically listening to what the market calls for and observing how time changes their perception towards particular products allowed music producers and distributors to come up with a relative way of responding to the challenge of innovation in relation to communication and computer technology.
- With reference to key concepts in Chapter 9 (Protecting Innovation), Chapter 6 (Defining the Organization’s Strategic Direction) and Chapter 5 (Timing of Entry), discuss what will determine how long the success of services like iTunes endures?
iTunes is currently considered as the top provider of music files online. Serving as a legal source of music albums and singles from several artists all over the globe, iTunes specifically serve the desire of the modern human society to be connected to music as much as they can and as often as they want. Through close observation of the changing tides of the market, it could be realized how the world of music also changed. The production and distribution options that are currently serving the industry provide a great sense of market control and response on the part of the music industry and the businesses involved in them.
Innovation was a relative source of challenge to business organizations operating in platforms such as the one followed by the music industry. It could not be denied that innovation is a particularly strong driving factor that identifies the condition of development and advancement that the modern society wants to embrace. And when it comes to music creation and distribution, producers are expected to follow through. iTunes was one among the first business entities to provide a better option of obtaining music for market consumers. At the onset of the issues on privacy and copyright protection came the issues of piracy in the music industry. To support the value protected by music creators, it could not be denied that the realization over the need to support the demands of the market is also at hand. Balancing how such issues are responded to present a great challenge to the ones aiming to make the music industry more attractive and convenient especially for the consumers who get so much from the said field of art.
Music will always be a part of the human living history, and iTunes tend to thrive on this particular fact to be able to keep on remaining in the market. Unlike other download sites, iTunes offer legitimate and copyright protected musical pieces that are ready for download. Notably though, these downloads are to be paid for. Nevertheless, iTunes make sure that the pricing of their music files when downloaded are practically priced for some who would want to gain access to music through their website or their online applications. To keep the business churning, updating the market is necessary. In relation to this, iTunes social networks effectively to make sure that they are able to send out update messages to prospective users of the application and have them download music for a relatively advantageous price.
Following where the society leads the concept of development and innovation, iTunes was able to establish a winning position in the industry, one that would not only protect its value but would also impose on how much impact music has on the society of modern individuals embracing development, innovation and expansive applications of technology in their lives. The primary competition iTunes have are the free sharing websites [which are still considered as portals of piracy] where music files are shared between peers and can be downloaded by anyone. Relative to this matter, it is then suggested that iTunes remain in operating under its proper command of music value and determined condition of improving the way the people view music and enjoy its provisions for them. What makes iTunes thrive within such a competitive market, even amidst the challenge of emerging websites that share music files for free is that they are considered legal and their operation is backed by the government legal sanctions. Their position in the market is protected by such legality and the business organizations enjoined into their system of operation know that they are simply aiming to improve how the music industry thrives in a modern society. Having such reputation and position in the market both protects them and sets them into a pedestal way apart from other scrupulous websites that pirate music. With their strong consideration to business ethics and the companies strong ties with industry allies, iTunes is expected to remain as the highest competitor in the market for a long time. With their reputation and their capacity to research and observe on what the market wants and demand for, iTunes is likely going to be able to serve the needs of generations still to come to embrace the innovative nature of music, modern computing and the continuous growth of numbers of gadgets released in the market for consumer appreciation.
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