Component Versus End-to-End Model

Walt Mossberg talks about the competing models of building digital devices, the component model and the end-to-end model. Microsoft uses the component model where various companies supply hardware and software components designed to work on a common reference platform whereas Apple has been a stalwart with the end-to-end model. Sure, Apple gets components from various suppliers as well, but the overall design and integration is architected by Apple.

An interesting read, especially the comments about Apple working on a “media-playing cellphone and a home-media hub.”

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