In Campaign Wars, Apple Still Has Microsoft’s Number

New York Times, February 3, 2009 — TWENTY-FIVE years ago, Apple hurled a legendary marketing sledgehammer at I.B.M. personal computers that ran Microsoft software. During the 1984 Super Bowl, Apple ran a television ad that depicted those machines as instruments of Big Brotherish conformity. The ad was shown just once, but people still talk about it. Today, Apple is still producing ads that hammer away at computers that run Microsoft’s software. But this time, Apple’s pounding is constant, even as Microsoft has been weakened by product stumbles and a series of ads that fell flat with the public.

Why won't Sony or Microsoft admit Nintendo is a competitor?

cNet News, December 2, 2008 — Whenever I read a Sony or Microsoft press release or meet with company representatives, they're quick to point out that Nintendo's Wii console isn't a competitor. Why? They claim it's because the Wii does gaming differently and is more of a "casual" platform than a "true" gaming console.

Facebook Tries to Woo Marketers†

Firm's 'Engagement Ads' Amplify Its Push to Curry Favor With Madison Avenue

Wall Street Journal, November 11, 2008 — Despite its surging Internet audience, Facebook Inc. has yet to prove it can wring steady revenue out of advertisers. Now it's trying a new tactic to woo Madison Avenue.

The Palo Alto, Calif., company is rolling out a new ad format called "engagement ads" that further blurs the line between marketing and social networking.

Hotels Offer Guests the Latest Technology Tools

New York Times, November 11, 2008 — Hotels are under such pressure to keep up with their gadget-obsessed guests that they are working with technology companies to regain their edge.

Google, Campbell Soup, J&J Tops in CSR

Marketing Charts, November 10, 2008 — Google, Campbell Soup, and Johnson & Johnson top the list of American companies that the US public sees as most socially responsible, according to the 2008 Corporate Social Responsibility Index (CSRI), from the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and Reputation Institute.

Frustration-Free Packaging

Springwise Newsletter, November 4, 2008 — Thanks to a new, multi-year global initiative announced yesterday, Amazon is working with manufacturers to eliminate the causes of "Wrap Rage" while also minimizing the impact of packaging on the environment. As a result, 19 best-selling products are now available through Amazon in the US packaged in smaller, easy-to-open and recyclable cardboard boxes that protect the products within just as well, the company says.

Survey: Wal-Mart Among Best 'Value' Brands†

YouGovPolimetrix places AIG at bottom of insurance heap

Adweek, November 4, 2008 — A recent survey by YouGovPolimetrix revealed that the slumping economy is having a significant impact on how consumers perceive brand value. Budget brands like Wal-Mart and Old Navy were ranked highest by consumers, while more upscale brands and financial services firms ranked lowest, reflecting a loss of consumer confidence.

Thinking by Design†

Brandweek, November 2, 2008 — While marketers have appreciated the value of distinctive design for some time now—at least since Apple and Target started making it a key differentiator about a decade ago—design thinking is something else. The premise is that if you tap a designer, or a designer's problem-solving approach, to tackle standard business problems, you will get game-changing results.

Microsoft Introduces Windows 7, Ending Vista Brand

New York Times, October 29, 2008 — Microsoft introduced what it said would be a slimmer and more responsive version of its Windows operating system on Tuesday, while unceremoniously dropping the brand name Vista for the new product.

PC makers move closer to a post-Windows world

CNNMoney.com, October 29, 2008 — In January, Hewlett-Packard will introduce a glossy black mini-laptop at retail for a mere $379. When it does, it will become the first major computer maker this decade (besides Apple, of course) to push a non-Windows PC in stores.

Kevin Frost, general manager of consumer notebooks at HP, was quick to point out that HP’s embrace of Linux shouldn’t be interpreted as a slap at Microsoft; he said he expects the “vast majority” of HP’s mini laptop sales to be the Windows version. “But we frankly view the mini category as one where we have the opportunity to put the focus on the HP brand, not the processor and not the operating system.”