(Reuters) - Samsung Electronics has built global leadership in mobile phones, but in a fickle industry looks more vulnerable than its nemesis Apple Inc without an 'ecosystem' - software, services, content and customer support - to keep its users loyal.
'They need to move out of that mentality of just selling people a device,' says Rachel Lashford, Singapore-based managing director of mobile for Canalys, a consultancy. 'They need to get their head around the idea that they're no longer just a hardware company.'
The ecosystem standard has been set by Apple: offering mobile users downloadable programs and content - such as iTunes for music and the App Store for programs - which are best, and often only, accessible via and across Apple devices. This binds users to Apple and makes them more likely to buy another Apple device - an iPhone user buying an iPad, say...Source/Origin >> Read More
