Apple and outside developers
from a management standpoint, Apple's relationship with developers is being handled fairly poorly. Abysmal to non-existent communication, destruction of goodwill for no apparent reason, and an apparently increasingly insular approach where foresight/insight on potential challenges, issues, problems (and associated solutions) are only generated internally. Given the similar issues plaguing Leopard, one has to wonder whether putting Forstall in charge of the iPhone platform was a good move.
No question Apple's making a mess of it. But recall, Apple didn't want to be here at all: Apple wanted to be the sole provider of apps, excluding maybe web "apps". Apple's been dragged to this place and never had any intention of being here. No wonder its management isn't thinking how to do a better job here: it was never on their radar and was never part of the vision they were trying to bring to life.
I have no idea what Forstall's credentials are, and though it's easy to make biting speculation from my safe distance, I'll withhold on the basis that I really don't know. It's possible Apple needs an iTS/Apple Store team to make the whole online download licensing experience work for the whole panoply of users, and give them the task of figuring out how to grow it into a valuable property. Apple could really leverage it if it cared to. Apple could use the possibility of worldwide music, software, eBooks, school lectures, etc. as a tool to change lots of lives, and to really put content creators in a better position both to connect with audiences and to negotiate with various kinds of business managers and organizers.
Apple has got its hand on something, but the question is whether Apple will strike while the iron is hot, or let it get cold while it's still but a modest tool.
Take care,
--Tex.
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