Partner DNA
The recent expulsion of Google Voice related apps, as well as Apple’s denial of Google Latitude as a native app reminded me of the Gates/Jobs interview at All Things D last year. Gates and Jobs were asked what they had learned about running their own business that they wished they had thought of sooner or thought of first by watching the other guy. Here’s Steve’s response:
You know, because Woz and I started the company based on doing the whole banana, we weren’t so good at partnering with people. And, you know, actually, the funny thing is, Microsoft’s one of the few companies we were able to partner with that actually worked for both companies. And we weren’t so good at that, where Bill and Microsoft were really good at it because they didn’t make the whole thing in the early days and they learned how to partner with people really well.And I think if Apple could have had a little more of that in its DNA, it would have served it extremely well. And I don’t think Apple learned that until, you know, a few decades later.
Apple’s recent struggles with Google and AT&T, along with the poor treatment of some of its most valuable smaller partners have made it clear that Steve’s insight is still painfully relevant.
Apple’s gatekeeping stifles innovation. I put them in the same category as the cable companies and mobile carriers. Instead of promoting interconnected networks of innovation and value, they take the hub-spoke approach with partners, and they are always, always the hub. (I’d like to take the metaphor further but it’s too early in the morning…)
I love Google Voice. There SMS feature actually got me into it. I can send out free text messages to Bangladesh, India, and USA. It saves me some good money on my texting program from Verizon Wireless because I can utilize that to send now. I think Google always does a wonderful job of giving users what they want and need. I have discovered in the future they are mixing Voice with the Android. Plus they purchased a new VoIP company which they will incorporate with the other two to give some outstanding features. I need to get myself an Androind now haha.