Synopses & Reviews
As high-tech industries become increasingly modular and interconnected and the ability to innovate becomes the purview of just about anyone the most successful companies are those that orchestrate industrywide innovations to support not only their products, but also the systems or platforms in which their products work. To become a platform leader a company that provides the technological foundation on which other products are built is the Holy Grail of these high-tech industries. The quest is complex and risky, because the success of platform leaders depends largely on their ability to encourage other firms to develop complementary innovations. High-tech-strategy experts Annabelle Gawer and Michael A. Cusumano explain how the best in class, including Intel, Microsoft, and Cisco, establish and grow their dominant positions. Based on these in-depth case studies and on incisive analysis, the authors present a framework for designing and implementing a successful platform strategy. From how to plan internal product development to how best to encourage external innovation activities, this comprehensive book offers executives, strategists, and entrepreneurs a framework for achieving market leadership in platform environments.
Review
"There is always one company that sees much farther than its industry peers, operates with a more encompassing vision, and assumes not only market leadership but also innovation and thought leadership. How does this happen? Read the lively, richly detailed case studies of Platform Leadership for the answer." Mike Ruettgers, Executive Chairman, EMC Corporation
Review
"If your company depends on other firms to provide a complete solution to your customers, this book is a must-read. Annabelle Gawer and Michael Cusumano provide excellent strategies for achieving a profitable and sustainable role as a platform leader." Sanjiv Sidhu, Founder and Chairman, i2 Technologies