Ben Thompson:
What kind of company is Apple, anyway?
They certainly have great technology, but to call them a technology company doesn’t seem quite right. They have great marketing, but to call them a marketing company isn’t true either. They have an incredible retail chain, but to call them a retailer is clearly off base as well.
You could ask a similar question about Nike.
With lots of hubbub around Nike and its Fuelband this weekend, Ben’s article is well worth the read.