Week in Review - 09/29/03-10/03/03

Source: MacMinute.com

Week in Review - 09/29/03-10/03/03
09/29/03-10/03/03

Apple News

The legal battle over name rights between Apple Computer and the Beatles' Apple Corps may take years to settle, according to Apple CEO Steve Jobs. Jobs told The Times (UK) that the disagreement over the use of the Apple name and the iTunes Music Store is destined to be decided by a judge. "We're going to have to take it to court to find out who's right," Jobs said. "It's really stupid. We can't reach an agreement, but the courts could drag on for a few years." Jobs also said: "The whole thing is unfortunate because we love the Beatles."

In an interview with CNET News.com, Adobe CEO Bruce Chizen talked a bit about Adobe's relationship with Apple: "Our relationship with Apple is a great one. My relationship with Steve Jobs continues to be extremely strong -- we communicate on a regular basis," he said. "Where we compete, we've agreed to compete. Where we partner, we partner aggressively... At the end of the day, we both have a vested interest in doing what's right for the creative professional customer. Our relationship with Apple is like a relationship in any marriage, good or bad. It's an important relationship for both of us to maintain and make stronger, knowing that there are differences."

Apple was named as one of the Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in a new report released by Cheskin, a strategic consulting and research firm, and Fitch:Worldwide, an international brand and design firm. Surprisingly, Apple finished behind both Microsoft and Dell. "The study surveyed over 500 senior business executives across the U.S. in a wide range of industry sectors, asking them in-depth questions on their companies' innovation practices, including specific approaches, level of authority and leadership, spending trends, success metrics and the influence of major industry trends." The 35-page report, "Fast, Focused & Fertile: the Innovation Evolution," is available for free online and can be downloaded from Cheskin or Fitch:Worldwide.

Apple once again extended its "A must have for Mac users" promotion (previously called "Every Mac needs .Mac") until December 27, 2003. The promotion, which offers customers a one-year .Mac membership for $69.95 (after mail-in rebate) with the purchase of a Mac, was originally set to end on March 31. In April, it was pushed back to June 28, and in July it was pushed back again to September 27. It appears this will be an ongoing promotion for Apple.