Keyword: IBM

Battles of Standards (5/9/2006)

Winners in the battle among proprietary standards can keep out competitors and lock in existing customers

Keywords: Apple, Betamax, Blu-ray DVD, HD DVD, IBM, Microsoft, open standards, proprietary standards, VHS

Genericization as a Market Maker (1/14/2006)

The creation of a new market typically involves the simultaneous development of interlocking parts. Sacrificing the short-term gain for at least one part is often necessary to overcome initial supplier or buyer inertia.

Keywords: Apple, critical mass, Dell, genericization, IBM, Mac, Microsoft, open system, PC, proprietary system, standardized parts, two-sided market

Risk Shifting (6/22/2006)

Defined-contribution pension plans increase labor mobility and facilitate the revival of old businesses in the face of massive industrial restructuring and longer life expectancy.

Keywords: bankruptcy, Chapter 11, defined benefit, defined contribution, IBM, insurance, investment returns, legacy cost, pension plan, PGBC, portability, retirement, risk, risk shifting

Streaming Revenues (6/22/2006)

Many companies earn more revenues from selling replacement parts than selling the complementary products.

Keywords: complementary goods, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, ink cartridges, printer, profit, razor, razor blades, replacement parts, third-party supplier

The Brand Game (9/11/2007)

Chinese companies try to move up the value chain by buying established brands.

Keywords: brand, Dirt Devil, IBM, prestige, profit, Revlon, Singer, value chain