INDIA

Technology executives around the world praised Steve Jobs’ skills as an innovator and a business leader, but as the dust settles, industry insiders and analysts expect his departure to ratchet up the competition as rivals look for fresh opportunities.“What this will do is clearly embolden the competitors, because a lot of them think they just can't compete with Steve Jobs,” said Rob Enderle, Principal Analyst with Enderle Group. As tech companies step up efforts to chip away at Apple’s strongholds in consumer electronics, PCs and entertainment, the company will also have to defend its internal ranks from outsiders looking to lure away its top talent.“Companies lose a lot of their aggressiveness, their culture, their sense of purpose, when the founder steps down,” said Michael Cusumano, a Professor at MIT Sloan School of Management.But he said competitors may not be able to truly benefit from the change at Apple for a couple of years. Cook has effectively been running the company since January -- a period during which Apple has thrived. And Jobs, known for his obsessive attention to detail, intends to remain active in his new chairman’s role for as long as his health allows.What’s more, analysts say, Apple likely already has a full pipeline of Jobs-grade products that should see it through the next few years. Apple’s biggest vulnerability in the short term may be its employees. As companies such as Google and Microsoft may appeal to some Apple employees. “Some executives inside Apple are some of the most sought after executives in the industry,” said one Internet executive. If Jobs’ influence wanes, many employees may no longer feel as passionately about working for Apple. Others may simply find it tough to resist the promise of a hefty raise or a promotion at a rival company.Overall though, Apple’s culture and work environment are so unique that convincing its employees to leave will be tougher than it seems, said McGuire. “I’m sure there are lot of those big head-hunting firms who have got their execs booking flights and trying to figure out how they can get involved but I think a lot of them are going to be disappointed," he said.Jobs’ decision to step down comes as Apple is on a roll, with the company delivering blockbuster financial results and Apple challenging ExxonMobil for the title of America’s most valuable company. [More]
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