Tech Thursday – Steve Jobs Ends His Extraordinary Run as Apple CEO on a High Note
August 25, 2011Back in 1997 Apple bought NeXT Software, a step, which brought back Steve Jobs to the company he founded. At the time, Apple reported a loss of $161 million for the fourth quarter of 1997. When Jobs came back he became the interim CEO and immediately began to revolutionize the company. With the focus on simplicity, Jobs shut down 70% of the company’s projects and products and directed full attention to the creation of the iMac. With its beautiful and unique design, simplicity of use, and affordable price, the iMac eventually became the product that saved Apple Inc.
After changing the desktop computer world, Jobs directed his attention to the mobile computing world. In Nov. of 2001 the first iPod was released and quickly took over as the number 1 mobile audio player. The iPod swiftly became one of the most selling technology items in the world. But that was only the beginning. The true digital revolution is continuing to unfold in front of our eyes with products such as the iPhone, iPad, iTunes, iOS, MacBook air, and the upcoming iCloud service. Steve Job’s new ‘Digital World’ is here and this is the legacy that he is leaving to Apple and it’s consumers.
His resignation today has created some worries across corporate America. Many fear that Apple just lost the main reason it has been able to be so successful and doubt the company’s future. As this may be true, one must believe that Jobs has paved the road for a great success for Apple in many years to come. Apple has many products in line for the next few years that will keep the company successful even without Jobs at CEO. Tim Cook, Jobs’ number 2 for many years now, will take over at CEO and is believed to be able carry on Jobs’ work with great success.
As Jobs’ departure may create some panic, there is no real reason to believe that Apple will not be able to continue its success without Job’s at CEO. After all, majority of iPod, iPhone, and iMac buyers don’t really know who Jobs is. We can only hope now that Jobs, who has been battling some serious health issues, including being treated for a form of pancreatic cancer in 2004, and a liver transplant in 2009, will be able to take some more time for himself now to get healthier so he can enjoy watching his new ‘Digital World’ evolving.
