1. Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google’s disputed borders
The disputed lines between Apple, Facebook, Google, and Amazon center on several important issues:
E-commerce and Retail: While Apple has entered online retail by selling its hardware and digital services, Amazon remains the industry leader in e-commerce.
Advertising and Data Gathering: Two of the biggest names in digital advertising are Google and Facebook, which target ads with their enormous databases. This approach is under threat from Apple’s privacy features, which affect Facebook and Google’s data collection and usage practices.
Cloud computing: While Apple’s iCloud and Google Cloud provide rival services with similar features and functionalities, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the industry leader.
Operating Systems and Platforms: Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS dominate the mobile OS industry, leading to competition in app ecosystems. Furthermore, Apple and Amazon have their streaming services, Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video.
2. Probable Results of the Competitions
Retail and E-commerce: A multipolar competition is more plausible than a winner-take-all one. Amazon is still the industry leader, but Apple’s increasing focus on online sales and ecosystem integration points to a more diverse market with many competitors.
Advertising and Data Collection: Apple’s privacy improvements may challenge the supremacy of Google and Facebook, which are deeply ingrained in digital advertising. As privacy-focused solutions start to gain popularity, this will probably cause the market to become more balanced and possibly even become an “always-a-share” market.
Cloud computing: Apple’s iCloud and Google Cloud are growing, but AWS has a significant advantage. The cloud computing market may exhibit an “always-a-share” situation, with multiple big firms rather than a winner-take-all structure.
Operating Systems and Platforms: Although iOS and Android compete intensely, their respective user bases and ecosystems make it likely that both platforms will coexist. This is what an “always-a-share” market is like.
3. The Example Firm’s Connection to the Big Four
Let us examine a retailer that participates in the online economy, such as Walmart. Walmart uses Google for marketing and advertising and primarily depends on Amazon for cloud services via AWS. Walmart’s dependence on Amazon cloud services may decline as it invests in its online infrastructure and e-commerce platform. Walmart might lessen its reliance on any cloud service provider by spreading its customer base and investing in in-house technology.
4. Under-Supplied Skills in the Digital Economy of the Future
Data Security and Privacy Experts: As the need for data protection grows, the need for experts in data security and privacy compliance will increase.
Experts in AI Ethics: As artificial intelligence grows, more specialists will be required to handle moral dilemmas and guarantee ethical AI application.
Engineers skilled in maintaining intricate cloud infrastructures are in greater demand as cloud computing becomes more widespread.
Digital Transformation Consultants: As new digital technologies are incorporated into business models, organizations will require more assistance, increasing the need for consultants with experience in digital transformation.
