Forbes: Apple’s Strength Lies in Its Software

According to Forbes.com, Apple’s biggest strengths lie in its software.

[quote=Forbes.com]
While great industrial design–whether it’s for great cars or great buildings–always attracts gawkers, it’s software that makes Apple’s (nasdaq: AAPL – news – people ) proliferating array of machines so comfortable to use on a long-term basis. Apple’s best products mix the curb appeal of a Lamborghini with easy-to-drive friendliness of a Honda Accord.
[/quote]

I couldn’t agree more. Whether we are talking about the Mac OS, the iPhone, the iPod, or Apple TV, it’s the software that drives me toward Apple’s products. The hardware is great, but I’m looking for an amazing user experience. Good just isn’t good enough. People interact with software, not hardware, and while my Mac Pro is an impressive (and beautiful) piece of hardware, as is my iPhone, it was the software running on these devices that drove the purchase every time.

Other companies just fail to “get” this…or, maybe they do get it, since we see many copycats of Apple’s products, both hardware and software. They all seem to fall short, however. The soul just isn’t there.