mCommerce+Issues

=**COMPETITION **=


 * Ford (Microsoft) SYNC **

The market for which Ford targets their SYNC product are first and foremost potential Ford buyers as the SYNC system is only available on Ford automobiles. Because of it's voice activated command system, users of the SYNC system do not need to be technology gurus, hence, any driver who can understand simple commands will be able to operate the system. Furthermore, busy drivers who are constantly tied to their mobile devices with phone calls, text messaging, and emails will benefit from the features of SYNC. But not only will these users with the aforementioned needs want to purchase SYNC. Even drivers who just want a GPS navigation system will be interested in the SYNC. ** Product ** Ford SYNC is an “info-tainment” pre-installed on 12 different Ford vehicles since 2007 (Edge, Escape, E-Series, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Flex, Focus Coupe, Focus Sedan, Fusion, Mustang, Sport Trac, and Taurus) based on Microsoft's ' // Auto //  ' operating system. The SYNC allows drivers to “sync” their mobile and media devices wirelessly to use hands-free. The SYNC is also equipped with text-to-speech technology that is capable of reading text messages received on a paired mobile device. Other features include music playback, voice command phone calls, turn by turn assistance, GPS, emergency assistance, and more. The SYNC is a pre-installed feature that is only available upon the purchase of a Ford vehicle. It is not available as a standalone device. Out of mass selling, sales promotion, and personal selling, Ford uses the mass selling technique the most by using advertising and word of mouth as its promotional strategy.
 * Target Market **
 * Place **
 * Price **
 * Currently, the SYNC has an MSRP of$395. It is sold as an option on almost all models. **
 * Promotion **

Illegal means of acquiring competitor intelligence such as spy photographs and hacking are likely to be pointless in this case because the SYNC is not a concrete product and is computer software unlikely to have any relevant information on a corporate portal/intranet. That said, aside from hiring ex-Ford/Microsoft employees, the best way for Apple to gain competitor intelligence is to keep all eyes and ears open on Ford/Microsoft press releases and announcements related to the SYNC and to purchase a Ford vehicle with SYNC installed. This will provide information such as upcoming software updates, bug fixes, new features, etc. With such information, it can be turned into intelligence if Apple takes action and responds. For example, as speeding up their own software updates, and matching and/or bettering the new features of SYNC would be a sufficient response.
 * Competitor Intelligence **