Information Systems: Blog #1

Information Systems: Blog #1

For my first blog, I have chosen an article straight from the Wall Street Journal on Information Technology utilized for competitive advantage. This article is entitled, "Sony Designs Tablet That's Not an iPad Wannabe" by Walter S. Mossberg. This article speaks about a new computer tablet created by Sony designed as a main competitor to Apple's iPad, just with a more unique structure and purpose. This product, called the Sony Tablet S has an industrial design more unique and distinct from the typical iPad. It runs off of Google's Android Operating System as it features a memory-card slot, fast browser and an ecosystem of content available to users for purchasing music, play station games, eBooks, and many other favorite mobile features.

Personally, I believe this product will not be anything better than the already popular Apple iPad products. One can validate that Sony as well as other companies are trying to introduce tablets to compare to the Apple products, but have been experiencing failures because of the already heightened popularity and positive experiences consumers have had with Apple products. Apple has produced so many versions of the iPad already that all companies, especially Sony that are aiming to gain competitive advantage would have to focus on a different price point to attract users. In my opinion, I believe that with Apple's marketing strategies and effective tactics, the only thing that restricts consumers from buying their products would be a failed experience or an inability to match the soaring prices of these new technological advancements. Mossberg states that the Sony Tablet S "will cost $500 for a 16 gigabyte model and $600 for a 32 gigabyte model." This can be compared with the $499 price for the 16GB model of the Apple iPad2. Similarly, the 32GB model runs about $599 as well. Thus, the price points between these two products do not differ at all. According to Porters Five Forces Model for Assesing States of Competition, when looking at the threat of substitue products, businesses should consider increasing their advantages by switching costs. This term refers to creating costs for products and services which make a customer reluctant to switch to another product or service supplier. In this case, maybe if Sony would have adjusted their price points for their personal tablet, it would appear more appealing to customers aside from the enhanced technological layout it already features.

The Sony S Tablet, does have a competitive advantage when one analyzes the different operating systems that are used. Google's Android Operating System will be the provider for Sony's new product, distinct from Apple's operating system known as the Apple iOS. Google's android system is the technique that is currently being used by many of the new Smartphones on the market as well as other tablets that are not affiliated with Apple's electronic line. "There has always been an ongoing competition between the two operating companies, Apple iOS and Google Android. It all comes down to the amount of consumers who utilize each through various products and their personal outcomes and experiences, says Priya Ganapati in her article, "Apple vs. Android: How Do They Stack Up?"

Therefore, it can be shown that this new product has its stregnths as well as its weaknesses against Apple's line of iPad products. When analyzing the competitive advantages between products it is important to consider the role of specific parts of Information technology and how the businesses can strategically enter their new ideas into the fast paced and rapidly growing world market.

Ganapati, Priya. "Apple iOS 4 vs. Google Android 2.2: How Do They Stack Up?." Wired.com . N.p., 7 June 2010. Web. 18 Sept. 2011. .

Mossberg, Walter S.. "Sony Designs Tablet That's Not an iPad Wannabe." Business News & Financial News - The Wall Street Journal - Wsj.com. N.p., 15 Sept. 2011. Web. 18 Sept. 2011. .