Publications
Publications
- May 2008 (Revised March 2010)
- HBS Case Collection
Palm (B): 2001
By: Ramon Casadesus-Masanell, Kevin Boudreau and Jordan Mitchell
Abstract
This case series looks at three important inflection points in Palm's history that relate to decisions about its platform: when the company was debating whether to open its operating system (OS) for licensing to third-party hardware manufacturers; 2001, when the company was deciding whether to split into two separate companies; and, 2005, when the company was migrating from its own OS into Linux. (The last part, set in 2008, is an epilogue). By looking at Palm's decision concerning its platform over time, students are asked to consider how Palm's decisions affect innovation, competitiveness, value creation and value capture.
Keywords
History; Decisions; Business Model; Technological Innovation; Strategy; Value Creation; Digital Platforms; Rights; Competition; Computer Industry
Citation
Casadesus-Masanell, Ramon, Kevin Boudreau, and Jordan Mitchell. "Palm (B): 2001." Harvard Business School Supplement 708-515, May 2008. (Revised March 2010.)