Many of these changes are not an easy choice, but a necessary response to the ramifications of past mistakes and the changes in the ever-evolving computer industry. Strangely, at a time of difficulty, some decisions become much more simple. It used to be said about Los Angeles, where I now live, that it is seven suburbs in search of a city. Apple Computer, in my view, had become several ideas, concepts, technologies, and products in search of a consumer or end user. The problem is that much of what Apple has developed outside of Macintosh hardware and software has done very little to generate more sales.
Quality control is important.
However, I do think that Apple tried to keep too much of the market for Macintosh hardware peripherals. The more companies that depend on your main product for their product sales means that more companies are directly and indirectly helping to sell your product, too. I believe that Apple Computer will be for a short while a smaller company. It will also be a healthier company. At the same time, ironically, by reducing its size and scope it will become larger in its influence and the Macintosh OS market will once again grow, thanks in large part to the third-parties now involved.