Amazon, Desperate or Smart Move?

Amazon has recently announced the release of their newest product, the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 tablet, with improvements in terms of functions and capabilities. The new tablet is, however, blatantly similar to the Microsoft Surface tablets which were, as the article says, generally unsuccessful in the market. Even though Amazon has seen the issues within Microsoft, Amazon has chosen to step away from only manufacturing standard Kindle e-Readers and instead become a competitor in this emerging market.

Referring to the 9 building blocks of a business model, Amazon seems to be trying to take steps forward. Amazon is trying to not only appeal to the customer segment seeking readers, but also appeal to the customer segments seeking laptop alternatives. Amazon has seen the success with the iPad and seeks to evolve their technology to appeal to customers seeking more powerful tablets with a wider range of functions, albeit at a lower price than the iPad. One edge that Amazon currently holds with the Kindle Fire is the excellent warranty deal. The article states that Amazon will offer full repairs for the tablet for up to two years, adding additional safety onto the already sturdy “shockproof rubber case that comes in the package.” Amazon is taking a leap of faith into an emerging market, however, Amazon’s move is highly risky. Well established competitors in this sector easily outshine Amazon, however, if Amazon is able to better price their products and provide benefits like their excellent protection warranty, Amazon’s new Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 may stand a chance.

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Difficulties of Ethical Water Bottle Companies

This article discusses the “uphill battle” that, namely, Belu and One Water are facing in fulfilling their initiatives to provide clean water. The companies’ largest obstacle is that their small markets are incapable of being competitive, let alone make a change. To compare, the article emphasizes two other major players, Nestle and Danone. Nestle and Danone, unlike Belu and One Water, are not as concerned about ethics as profit and overshadow Belu and One Water. The problem these companies face is not pricing but branding, as customers have the tendency to purchase more reputable brands, albeit a higher price, due to their trust in the quality of the goods. This branding barrier is something Belu and One Water must defeat if they hope to expand their business. I must agree with the article in saying that they are taking an ethical approach to business, however, with their limited market, it is disappointing to say that these goals will not be able to catch a buyer’s attention as they are easily out shined by larger competitors. While their ethical goals are respectable, and in my opinion companies should strive to better society while keeping profits in mind, it is inevitable that buyers are neglectful of ethics in business and focus more on quality. For the time being, these simply companies have to find a way to exit the shadows of the giant market players.