The company which is at the forefront in the world of technology today, does not necessarily always remain number-1 because as the market changes, the preferences and needs of the customers also change. The biggest example of this are BlackBerry and Nokia, which once ruled the mobile world. At the same time, IBM also made its mark with personal computers. As times changed, the old businesses of these companies weakened. But instead of accepting defeat completely, he changed his business model. Today BlackBerry software, Nokia telecom networks and AI-related infrastructure, while IBM is focusing on cloud, AI and enterprise technology.
BlackBerry left the phone and took the software
There was a time when BlackBerry phones were considered a status symbol in the business world. Its physical keyboard and secure messaging system were quite famous. But after the arrival of iPhone and Android smartphones, the company lagged behind rapidly. Ultimately in 2016 BlackBerry stopped making phones itself. After this, the company changed its direction and started focusing on QNX software and secure communication. QNX is used in cars and other electronic systems. The company now also provides secure software for governments and big companies.
IBM left PC and chose AI and cloud
IBM’s identity was also once linked to computer hardware. The company played a big role in making personal computers famous. But with time competition increased in PC business and profits started decreasing. IBM decided to exit the PC business nearly two decades ago.
According to the report of Indian Express, now the main focus of the company is on enterprise software, hybrid cloud, AI and high-end computing. That is, instead of selling computers to common people, the company made the technology needs of big companies its market.
Nokia traveled from mobile to networking
Nokia was once the world’s largest mobile phone company. In the 2000s, its phones were visible everywhere. But in the era of smartphones, the company could not compete with Apple and Android. In 2014, Nokia sold most of its mobile phone business to Microsoft. After this the company focused on telecom and networking infrastructure. Now instead of selling mobile phones, Nokia works on the network systems and equipment with which telecom companies run their services.
The company is now considering the growing business of AI data centers as a big opportunity. AI requires a large number of servers and data centers and high-speed networks are required to connect them.
old power used in new way
There is one thing in common in the story of these three companies. Instead of completely destroying their old identity, they used the techniques they already had. BlackBerry had expertise in security and software. Nokia had experience in networks and telecom. IBM had extensive experience in enterprise technology and computing. These companies used these strengths according to the new market.
The comeback of these companies shows that just having an old successful product is not enough for any business. When customers’ preferences change, the company also has to change. However, it is not easy to give a new shape to the business and it is not necessary that every company becomes successful by doing so. But the story of BlackBerry, Nokia and IBM shows that changing the business model at the right time and recognizing its true strengths can make an old company strong again.
