Article: Commoditization drives markets.(Editor at Large)

Commoditization is an oft-misunderstood force in the electronics industry. When products evolve toward a standard configuration, interface, package or functionality set, they are on a path to becoming commoditized. When this happens, multiple vendors can provide interchangeable components to solve a given problem. The PC industry is a good example of a highly commoditized industry. Despite occasional incompatibilities, when purchasing PC hardware, we have every expectation that peripherals such as monitors, DVD burners, printers and other items will work with a variety of vendors' products.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

So that's a good thing, right?

...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!