Apple Developer Connection
Advanced Search
Member Login Log In | Not a Member? Contact ADC

Macintosh Market Data Sources

Creating a value proposition for any new product means defining three things: the total market size for the product; the target market, or who within the larger market will see the greatest value in the product; and the product position, or competitive analysis of the product for that target group of potential customers.

Defining these criteria is the first step towards validating a development investment for a new product and creating a marketing plan and this process includes acquiring supporting material such as analyst data, market forecasts, growth trends for the market segments, and total market sizes. Below you’ll find links to an array of research sources that cover aspects of the Macintosh market.


Performing a Competitive Analysis

It is critical to understand the competitive landscape by performing a competitive analysis of a potential product. Below are some resources helpful in beginning that analysis.

  • The Apple website has overviews of technology incorporated into Apple products, as well as product reviews and online documentation
  • Existing products made for Mac OS X are listed in the Macintosh Product Guide
  • Many Mac market products and trends are showcased at IDG’s Macworld Expo
  • Emerging technologies are tracked online by O’Reilly & Associates
  • The Yankee Group has information about communications and IT products, software and services
  • Frost & Sullivan provides general IT data
  • Mercury Research provides information on the microsystems and components markets, including PC processors, chipsets, build costs, video chipsets
  • Jupiter Research provides information about online retail sales, consumer devices and access (technographics, broadband, digital TV), online tools (QuickTime, music apps, streaming media, MPEG-4 adoption, home networking, digital content), online advertising, partner and channel management, wireless, payments and transactions, and more


< Previous Page   Next Page >