Product Overview

This case examines the alliance between two arch rivals in the computer industry--IBM and Apple. The objective of the case is to help students appreciate the awkward partnerships that arise among companies in their desire to compete against a common threat as well as to develop a new market. The case develops the background of the relationship between Apple and IBM and poses questions concerning the structure of the alliance, its alleged benefits, and the likelihood for its success based on tensions articulated in the case.