A few weeks ago, we shared our list of five companies that really surprised us in 2010. At this point, it makes sense to shift our gaze forward and explore organizations that are poised to lead their respective industries in 2011. While you've definitely heard of one, chances are that there are a few surprises among our shortlist. So without further ado:
1. Dropbox
So here's an increasingly common dilemma: you have a smartphone, iPad, home and work computer, and at various times you work on the same file with each. In the past, you would have to carry around a thumb drive or constantly email the document to yourself, but Dropbox has created a much simpler solution. The start-up has given its users a virtual 2-gigabyte hard drive, which can be used to store and access files in a secure folder housed in a Dropbox account. Any web-enabled device can connect to the info, and any time you modify the file, changes are automatically replicated through all devices connected to the Dropbox account. Dropbox is seen as a huge boon to smartphone users, whose devices lack a file storage system. An ancillary benefit to the service is that it provides a handy backup for all your important documents. Dropbox reports having more than 4 million users, and as we all become more connected to the Web with our various devices, this number is certain to grow.
So here's an increasingly common dilemma: you have a smartphone, iPad, home and work computer, and at various times you work on the same file with each. In the past, you would have to carry around a thumb drive or constantly email the document to yourself, but Dropbox has created a much simpler solution. The start-up has given its users a virtual 2-gigabyte hard drive, which can be used to store and access files in a secure folder housed in a Dropbox account. Any web-enabled device can connect to the info, and any time you modify the file, changes are automatically replicated through all devices connected to the Dropbox account. Dropbox is seen as a huge boon to smartphone users, whose devices lack a file storage system. An ancillary benefit to the service is that it provides a handy backup for all your important documents. Dropbox reports having more than 4 million users, and as we all become more connected to the Web with our various devices, this number is certain to grow.
2. NXP Semiconductors
There's a big buzz out there regarding mobile phone payment, and we're not referring to paying your bills using your smartphone browser. Rather, after collecting your groceries at the local supermarket, instead of pulling out your wallet and fumbling for the right credit card, you simply hold your mobile phone close to a wireless terminal and viola! Off you go. The applications are endless--think subway fares, vending machines, gas stations and more. (For a demonstration, go to the video, sixth from the top.) The technology is called "near-field communications", and US mobile payments are expected to increase from $16 billion this year to $214 billion in 2015.
There's a big buzz out there regarding mobile phone payment, and we're not referring to paying your bills using your smartphone browser. Rather, after collecting your groceries at the local supermarket, instead of pulling out your wallet and fumbling for the right credit card, you simply hold your mobile phone close to a wireless terminal and viola! Off you go. The applications are endless--think subway fares, vending machines, gas stations and more. (For a demonstration, go to the video, sixth from the top.) The technology is called "near-field communications", and US mobile payments are expected to increase from $16 billion this year to $214 billion in 2015.
TO start off this article is really cool. I think that Apple really has a hold on the portable organizer market with the Ipad. I do believe the Droid is catching up though. The Nexus computer chip is the new wave of the future and I look forward to seeing how that will progress.
ReplyDeleteNice insights. I'd like to hear more about how these industry innovations speak to leadership. Are these companies being led differently so as to advance groundbreaking products? If so, how? Regarding their progress, why are they on the cutting edge? Some questions to consider . . .
ReplyDeleteI do agree that Apple is one of the top 5 companies that will lead in 2011, but I think their heyday will end soon. Much criticism has been dealt to the CEO, Steve Jobs, because of some of his business decisions. Although the Iphone and Ipad were innovative with their release, many companies have jumped on the Android bandwagon and are releasing many devices competing and even surpassing the Apple equivalent devices. Since the launch of the Iphone, the Apple “App Store” has been a closed platform, giving Apple full control of any content that can be viewed on their devices. Android viewed Apple's closed platform as a hindrance for consumers and decided to open its platform so users can take full control of their own device. Apple is only focused on innovation, but I think their cutting edge ideas will soon run out. They do not focus on their existing customers because they are always looking for new technology. Android on the other hand, focuses on what its customers want and has welcomed the utilization of Adobe Flash Player, which will open many doors for Android. I believe this will be a turning point for the rise of Android and the fall of Apple. At first, Steve Jobs stated that his devices will not support Flash because it is a security concern. However, certain CEOs of other technology companies have seen this as a bluff, and know there is no credibility to Jobs’ accusations of security problems with Adobe Flash Player- http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-netgear-boss-calls-game-over-for-microsof/. They blame Jobs’ lack of support on his ego and I think this may be a huge downfall for Apple. There is no doubt that Apple has become wildly successful in the past decade, but this success has infiltrated the thoughts of its CEO. I believe Jobs has a skewed view of his company’s success and he will regret not accepting the help of accessory companies, like Adobe.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting perspective, and I love that you provided a link to back up your point!! It would seem that Apple is making a similar mistake as to when they didn't allow others to build off of their operating system platform, and microsoft soon stole the show. Perhaps Jobs is letting his ego get the best of him, but I'm interested in what other opinions are out there. Another question - if Apple continues to set the curve (i.e., iPhone, iPad) and others continue to model them 6 months after the fact, will it matter that they continue with a closed platform?
ReplyDeleteUsing Verizon vs At&t as an example. True they both have the iPhone, a marketing genius product as is, but the release of the Verizon iPhone was a total bust. The reason you get an iPhone is to be able to call, use internet, and apps all at the same time which the Verizon network can't handle. The At&t release? Lines out the door and waiting list for day. The Verizon release? Tumble weeds in the wind and the sound of birds chirping in the background. Apple will continue to one up other companies until they create a bust and even then I believe that people will eat it up just because of the logo. But as long as they stay a closed company they'll always have a disadvantage and one day will be defeated by the mighty sword of Microsoft (or some other company). Companies, and leaders (had to throw some leadership in there) are only as good as their ability to meet consumer needs. Once the consumer moves on, you're left in the shadow.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s tough to say whether or not Apple’s innovation is enough to keep them ahead of the competition. Obviously in theory, if you can come up with the best ideas, surely you can control the market, but I think we’ve seen that isn’t always the case. IBM is a great example to counter. They began as a company that manufactured and sold machinery, and was eventually pushed towards the computer market by the government. They rarely did anything innovative throughout their history, until recently with their new work with “supercomputers.” However, Apple is not only pioneering, it’s also a large corporation with great name recognition. As it was mentioned, simply making a new product and tossing the Apple logo on it is a great recipe for success.
ReplyDeleteI think it's inevitable that anything with the apple symbol is bound to sell fast and become the most wanted technology at that point in time. Although it is true that anything Apple comes out with there is a direct mimic five months later by a copy-cat company, a bigger and better company is going to emerge within the next year. This company is going to be the apple of next year and be the first to come out with everything everyone wants followed by its copiers.
ReplyDeleteAs with the NXP Semiconductors, I read an article not long ago that was convinced that credit cards will no longer exist in two years. Not sure if I agree with that but this piece of technology is, by far, leading the way onto more convenient spending. For this to work everyone will have to own a smartphone which will definitely happen eventually.
I think dropbox is great technology for the college student and businessman. I believe this technology won't be as helpful for the handful of people that would never need to use it but an impressive technology nonetheless.
Although Apple shows they have innovation, how innovative are they really? They do create new products that other companies have not released yet, but does this mean that the other companies have not been developing the same products? Apple came out with the Ipad, and several months later there was been a huge evolution of tablets by other companies. I don’t believe the copycat companies are able to develop tablets that are internally better than the Ipad within a few months, and that proves they have been in development for some time. I believe Apple cuts as many internal corners as possible by creating a good design and making them “look” appealing. Although the Android tablets are not as "pretty" as the Ipad, almost all of them that are comparably priced have much better internal specs. It seems that Apple is just the first to release the new technologies before they have been perfected. Other companies do not need to release 2nd and 3rd generations of many of their products, because they get it right the first time. They do not just hastily produce flawed products the appease demand, they do it right. How many 1st gen Ipad owners would have wanted a front facing camera for Skype or Facetime? Almost all of them. So why didn’t they include a camera, either front or back? Because it would take too long. Apple knew there was only a short window of time to be the first to release a tablet of any kind before every other mobile phone company created a competing product. Apple portrays the image of innovative, but I think the public will soon see the difference between innovative, and first to sell. I think there needs to be some shift in leadership, because with all of the technology developing companies emerging, it will be difficult to keep up being the first to release a new product.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these ideas sound very interesting. But leads to question. How will the payment plan for the NXP semiconductor be done? Will it be paid on your phone bill or linked with a credit card? The Dropbox sounds amazing though. I always email files to my email and it would just be much easier if I had everything in one place, on every device, anytime, anywhere. I am actually going to look further into Dropbox.
ReplyDeleteI'm already a user of Dropbox and I absolutely love it, so it makes my day to see it on this list. I thinks its one of the best services of its genre around. Although Microsoft has similar services that offer more GBs it is not as user friendly and easy to use as Dropbox is. However, how do you think that Dropbox can progress as a company? What can they offer to become more of a presence in the market?
ReplyDeleteI really like to idea of the NXP, but what security devices will be in place to prevent the easy theft? Its bad enough it you lose your phone in todays world. What happens when your phone is also your credit card, banking system, car key, etc. I do think that this will be the future but I don't know how we will be able to protect ourselves when it will seemingly to easier to become a victim.
I don't really know if I agree with Apple being on this list. For one thing they are already leading the pack for the most part and it won't be a very big surprise if they continue to do so. However, I think in order to keep their stranglehold on the market they will have to produce another revolutionary product that has never been seen before. The iphone was the last truly spectacular thing they made, after that they just used the same technology to turn in ipod into a itouch, and to turn a netbook into an ipad. Of course they will always continue to sell spectacularly with the public, but they are slowly getting pushed out a little bit at a time by the Droid market and other open platform products.
Regarding AT&T vs. Verizon release of the iPhone - I'm not certain that the market reaction to the two companies' releases had less to do with the functionality of the iPhone on ATT as opposed to the fact that most iPhone adopters already have it. I have a feeling that the stream of ATT defectors is going to be pretty consistent - I already know a few people who have transitioned because of the more reliable network of Verizon.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Apple's "first to market" theory. Yes, they are successful because they are first to market, and they build reliable products. So their challenge would seem to be to continue to innovate. If they don't, they'll get eaten. If they do, then they'll continue down the path they've been on for the past decade and remain an industry leader.
I think the concept is also interesting because we're talking about leadership in the context of businesses. Can businesses be leaders? Why or why not?
I really enjoyed reading about all these companies. The only company that I actually ever heard of before is Apple.
ReplyDeleteI think Dropbox is a really great idea!!
NXP is also a great idea. I think that since mostly everyone has their cell phones attached to their hips, this chip would be an interesting move from credit/debit cards.
I really like the idea of Walmart getting solar efficient power with MiaSole. This inovation and OPOWER are the best on the list because they would be helping the environment!
I feel that Apple is overrated. I have a friend that every piece of technology she has to be Apple. If Apple makes it, she has it. I really don't see what the big deal is.
I do believe that businesses are leaders because businesses influence society. What businesses sell and what they do influence mostly everyone. When business are trying to sell things they look toward society to see their likes/dislikes to design what they're selling.
You're last comments are interesting, especially preceded by your Apple comments. First, it would seem that consumers are the leaders, not businesses, since consumers are the ones who are driving the companies to create whatever it is they're creating. Apple actually takes a different approach. Rather than conducting market research to see what consumers would buy, they simply create a product that they believe has value and trust that it will be liked by consumers. So it would appear that Apple is the leader...thoughts?
ReplyDeleteI think there is merit to both sides of the “who is the leader” argument. Apple’s innovation cannot be overlooked, but how much of a necessity are the products they are producing? I can’t imagine there was a large outcry for handheld tablets that function like laptops when so many similar products exist – most cell phones today have comparable capabilities. At the same time, the consumers continue to purchase whatever new gadget that Apple comes out with, regardless of its substitutes, some of which are more functional or cheaper. I feel that as long as Apple continues to come out with “new and innovating” ideas, people are going to continue to buy them. Will their come a time when the consumers take the lead role and start saying what they need and/or want? Of course – and if another company comes along and takes that advice, producing high-quality items like Apple has done, there’s no doubt in my mind that they will be the new Apple.
ReplyDeleteI agree about how Apple has many "new and innovating" ideas; however, I can't understand how so many people just buy Apple because it's an Apple. Brand names shouldn't mean everything especially when there are similar products made by other companies that basically do the same thing. Sometimes I feel like our society is so shallow and think that if they don't have the best things that others will judge them. I personally don't think that that's right.
ReplyDeleteI agree in premise, but question the deeper psychology regarding why people invest in specific brands. In speaking as an Apple user, I invest because of reliability, customer service, durability, etc. My needs are pretty simple, and I don't want to be frustrated with the bugs and frustrations that other brands bring to the table. It might not all be about looking cool and feeling like one of the crowd - It could be about the perception that one product is in fact more reliable and valued than another . . .
ReplyDeleteAll of these companies seem great. Obviously we all know how much apple has been succeeding, and I've heard of DropBox, but not the other three. The other three seem like they have real potential. Two of the companies seem like they are about "going green" and renewable energy. Nowadays, who doesn't love supporting these companies? Renewable energy is becoming a booming industry and with the right innovation, it might just be the ticket to get our economy out of the recession. Here in a few years, I think the other four companies will be just as famous at Apple
ReplyDeleteThe five companies that will lead in 2011 was a very interesting read. The only company I can recall by name is obviously Apple. Before reading the article I had no clue what each company, besides apple, entailed. All the companies seemed intresteing but I believe Dropbox will be most successful. Dropbox sounds like something everyone could use. Being able to backup any type of file and then have the ability audit them elsewhere makes life very easy. This company, if successful, has a very large reach which will make it easy to Market the company and their product. Anytime you have a high customer reach and a product that basically sells its value to customer, you are on to something. The only negative is that it seems a lot like Google Docs. And we’ve seen in the past what Google has done to it’s competitors.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading about these five companies, it occurred to me that I know very little about the technology world. The only name on this list that sounded familiar was Apple. This I believe adds to Apple's reputation as being a very popular brand. This popularity to some has turned into somewhat of a fault. Some say that Apple has only become so popular because of its clever marketing strategies and easily recognized logo. Some say that the technology is not that spectacular and that people only buy the products for the brand. In the opinion of someone who knows next to nothing about technology, I believe that Apple has rightfully earned its place on top. Apple shows leadership in its forwardness of promotion and distribution of the products. When I see a new gadget, often it has come from Apple and isn't that the definition of an innovator? Innovation is a key in leadership so I say give Apple its well deserved recognition.
ReplyDeleteThe difference between a manager and a leader is this, a manager keeps the status quo, monitors operations, and hands out paychecks. A leader is someone who sees the big picture and implements ingenuity and expansion while maneuvering around conflicts and other aspects of the company. These five companies seem like they have strong leaders. They're looking to the future for potential growth and profit. They seem to be heading in the right direction from what the descriptions express. Looking forward can never hurt and will almost always benefit in the long run. Kudos to these five companies and organizations.
ReplyDeleteThe companies highlighted in this article are all quite impressive, however with new technology comes new problems. For example, i have one of the "high-tech" credit cards that you just bounce off a check out and it reads it, which i have to admit half the time i don't take it out of my wallet, and it still reads fine. This also makes me susceptible to having my information stolen, as all they have to do is come within range of my card for it to work. I do not see phones being linked with money to pay for everyday things working out as well as planned, but i am sure they will come across a way to counter that!
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