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'''Apple Inc.''' is an American company engaged in designing, manufacturing and selling computers digital electronic products, mobile communications and media devices, software, networking solutions as well as third party digital contents and applications. Apple is recognized as the most valuable technology company and the world's largest publicly traded company with $ 222.12 billion market capitalization surpassing [[Microsoft]] in 2010.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/27/technology/27apple.html Apple Passes Microsoft as No. 1 in Tech]</ref> The company's headquarters is located in Cupertino, California.

'''Apple Inc.''' is an American company engaged in designing, manufacturing and selling computers, digital electronic products, mobile communications and media devices, software, networking solutions as well as third party digital contents and applications. Apple is recognized as the most valuable technology company and the world's largest publicly traded company with $ 222.12 billion market capitalization; it surpassed [[Microsoft]] in 2010.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/27/technology/27apple.html Apple Passes Microsoft as No. 1 in Tech]</ref> The company's headquarters is located in Cupertino, California.

==The Apple Story==

==The Apple Story==

===The Early Days of Apple & its Founders===

===The Early Days of Apple & its Founders===

[[Steven Jobs]], [[Stephen Wozniac]] and '''Ronald Wayne''' founded Apple on April 1, 1976. Jobs and Wozniac started developing Apple 1, a computer circuit board without sound, case, keyboard or graphics at Job's bedroom at Los Altos and later moved to the garage when the space became crowded. During that time, Jobs was working for Atari where he met Wayne who was working as a draftsman in the company. Jobs encouraged Wayne to join Apple as a partner and offered him 10% interest in the company. Jobs thought that having Wayne as a partner in the company will be helpful in case, a conflict arise between him and Woz in the future. Wayne's vote will serve as a deciding factor. Wayne worked at nights documenting the Apple 1 computer while Jobs focused on finding clients. '''Jay Terrel''', owner of Byte Shop ordered 50 fully assembled computers at $500 each, cash on delivery after Jobs demonstrated the capabilities of the''' Apple 1''' computer during a '''Homebrew Computer Club''' meeting. The partners do not have enough money to buy the parts for the 50 computers but Jobs was persistent and was able to borrow $5,000 from Wozniac's co-workers at [[Hewlett-Packard]]. Suppliers also agreed to a 30 days extension to pay for a $15,000 credit. Meanwhile, Wayne wasn't so sure if he is willing to take another financial risk because of his prior failure with his own engineering firm. Wayne opted to give up his 10% stake in the partnership and accepted a one time payment of $800 to get out of the agreement. Jobs delivered the 50 computers to Terrel and made an $8000 from the transaction. After that, orders for the Apple 1 computer increased and Jobs needed more capital to expand their business.<ref>[http://extras.denverpost.com/books/chap0411h.htm Apple Confidential: The Real Story of Apple Computer Inc.]</ref>

[[Steven Jobs]], [[Stephen Wozniac]] and '''Ronald Wayne''' founded Apple on April 1, 1976. Jobs and Wozniac started developing Apple 1, a computer circuit board without sound, case, keyboard or graphics in Job's bedroom at Los Altos and later moved to the garage when the space became crowded. During that time, Jobs was working for Atari where he met Wayne who was working as a draftsman in the company. Jobs encouraged Wayne to join Apple as a partner and offered him 10% interest in the company. Jobs thought that having Wayne as a partner in the company would be helpful in case a conflict were to between him and Woz in the future. Wayne's vote could serve as a deciding factor. Wayne worked at nights documenting the Apple 1 computer while Jobs focused on finding clients. Jay Terrel, owner of Byte Shop, ordered 50 fully assembled computers at $500 each, cash on delivery after Jobs demonstrated the capabilities of the''' Apple 1''' computer during a '''Homebrew Computer Club''' meeting. The partners did not have enough money to buy the parts for the 50 computers but Jobs was persistent and was able to borrow $5,000 from Wozniac's co-workers at [[Hewlett-Packard]]. Suppliers also agreed to a 30 days extension to pay the $15,000 credit. Meanwhile, Wayne wasn't so sure if he was willing to take another financial risk because of his prior failure with his own engineering firm. Wayne opted to give up his 10% stake in the partnership and accepted a one time payment of $800 to get out of the agreement. Jobs delivered the 50 computers to Terrel and made $8000 from the transaction. After that, orders for the Apple 1 computer increased and Jobs needed more capital to expand their business.<ref>[http://extras.denverpost.com/books/chap0411h.htm Apple Confidential: The Real Story of Apple Computer Inc.]</ref>

===Apple Computer's Original Investors===

===Apple Computer's Original Investors===

[[Mike Markkula]], a former Executive from [[Intel]] and Fairchild Semiconductor helped Jobs developed a long-term business plan for Apple Computer. He invested $92,000 and secured a credit line of $250,000 to provide sufficient funds to operate the business.Arthur Rock also invested in the company.  On January 3, 1997, Apple Computer was incorporated. By that time, the corporation has $600,000 capital and hired Michael Scott to serve as President of the company.<ref>

Mike Markkula, a former Executive from [[Intel]] and Fairchild Semiconductor, helped Jobs develop a long-term business plan for Apple Computer. He invested $92,000 and secured a credit line of $250,000 to provide sufficient funds to operate the business. Arthur Rock also invested in the company.  On January 3, 1997, Apple Computer was incorporated. By that time, the corporation had $600,000 capital and hired Michael Scott to serve as President of the company.<ref>

[http://www.pophistorydig.com/?tag=apple-computer-ipo “Apple, Rising” 1976-1985]</ref>

[http://www.pophistorydig.com/?tag=apple-computer-ipo “Apple, Rising” 1976-1985]</ref>

The corporation bought the original partnership of Jobs, Wozniac and Wayne for $5,308.96 to avoid legal problems in the future. Wayne was given 1/3 of the amount although he voluntarily relinquished his rights on the partnership agreement.<ref>[http://extras.denverpost.com/books/chap0411h.htm Apple Confidential: The Real Story of Apple Computer Inc.]</ref> <ref>[http://ecommerce.hostip.info/pages/51/Apple-Computer-Inc-EARLY-HISTORY.html Apple Computer, Inc-Early History]</ref>

The corporation bought the original partnership of Jobs, Wozniac and Wayne for $5,308.96 to avoid legal problems in the future. Wayne was given 1/3 of the amount although he voluntarily relinquished his rights in the partnership agreement.<ref>[http://extras.denverpost.com/books/chap0411h.htm Apple Confidential: The Real Story of Apple Computer Inc.]</ref> <ref>[http://ecommerce.hostip.info/pages/51/Apple-Computer-Inc-EARLY-HISTORY.html Apple Computer, Inc-Early History]</ref>

===The Apple II===

===The Apple II===

In 1977, Apple Computer launched Apple II, the first complete pre-assembled personal computer with casing, standard keyboad, power supply and color graphics capability. It's price was $1, 295 each. On that year alone, the corporation recorded $2.7 million sales. It was considered one of the most user-friendly, mass marketed personal computer during that decade with a built-in BASIC programming language and an eight slot expansion capability. The success of the product was due to its spreadsheet program VisiCalc, which made Apple II a significant machine for business owners. The corporation released a series of Apple II computers and sold more than 6 million units until the mid 80s. <ref>[http://oldcomputers.net/appleii.html Apple II]</ref> <ref>

In 1977, Apple Computer launched Apple II, the first complete, pre-assembled personal computer with casing, standard keyboad, power supply and color graphics capability. Its price was $1, 295 a piece. In that year alone, the corporation recorded $2.7 million in sales. It was considered one of the most user-friendly, mass marketed personal computers during that decade with a built-in BASIC programming language and an eight slot expansion capability. The success of the product was due to its spreadsheet program VisiCalc, which made Apple II a significant machine for business owners. The corporation released series of Apple II computers and sold more than 6 million units until the mid 80s. <ref>[http://oldcomputers.net/appleii.html Apple II]</ref> <ref>

[http://www.pophistorydig.com/?tag=apple-computer-ipo “Apple, Rising” 1976-1985-Apple II]</ref>

[http://www.pophistorydig.com/?tag=apple-computer-ipo “Apple, Rising” 1976-1985-Apple II]</ref>

===Initial Public Offering===

===Initial Public Offering===

Apple Computer's '''Initial Public Offering (IPO)''' was held on December 12, 1980. The corporation originally filed to sell its stocks at $14 per share but the stock opened at $22. Apple Computer sold 46 million shares and the stock price closed at $29 per share on its first day of trading. The company recorded a $1.778 billion market valuation. The Apple Computer IPO was recorded the largest in the United States Corporate History since Ford Motor Co.<ref>[http://www.macobserver.com/columns/thisweek/2004/20041218.shtml This Week in Apple Historyby Owen Linzmayer& Bryan Chaffin]</ref> <ref>[http://investor.apple.com/faq.cfm Apple Inc. Frequently Asked Questions]</ref>

Apple Computer's Initial Public Offering (IPO) was held on December 12, 1980. The corporation originally filed to sell its stocks at $14 per share but the stock opened at $22. Apple Computer sold 46 million shares and the stock price closed at $29 per share on its first day of trading. The company recorded a $1.778 billion market valuation. At that time, the Apple Computer IPO was the largest in the United States Corporate History since Ford Motor Co.<ref>[http://www.macobserver.com/columns/thisweek/2004/20041218.shtml This Week in Apple Historyby Owen Linzmayer& Bryan Chaffin]</ref> <ref>[http://investor.apple.com/faq.cfm Apple Inc. Frequently Asked Questions]</ref>

===The Management Shake UP===

===The Management Shake UP===

In 1981, [[Mike Scott]] , CEO of the company fired 40 employees in one day also known as the '''Black Wednesday''' due to problems related to Apple III. A management reorganization followed wherein Scott was replaced by Mike Markkula as CEO. Steve Jobs became Chairman of the company. Scott left Apple Computer in July of 1981.<ref>[http://apple2history.org/appendix/ahb/ahb2/ Apple History 1978-1981]</ref>

In 1981, Mike Scott, CEO of the company, fired 40 employees in one day due to problems related to Apple III; the event became known as "Black Wednesday". A management reorganization followed wherein Scott was replaced by Mike Markkula as CEO. Steve Jobs became Chairman of the company. Scott left Apple Computer in July of 1981.<ref>[http://apple2history.org/appendix/ahb/ahb2/ Apple History 1978-1981]</ref>

===The $1 Billion Milestone===

===The $1 Billion Milestone===

In 1982, Steve Jobs was featured in the Time Magazine cover story about "America's Risk Takers" wherein the magazine emphasized the rapid success of the company which recorded $2.7 million sales in 1977 up to $200 million in 1980. The article also stated that Jobs need to prove his capability as head of the company by stating, “…Jobs, who had the vision to build one of America’s foremost companies from a hobbyist’s toy, must show that he has the foresight and ability to guide a major corporation.” By December of that year, Apple Computer became the first personal computer to reach $ 1 billion in annual sales.<ref>[http://www.pophistorydig.com/?tag=apple-mike-markkula "Apple Rising" 1976-1985]</ref>

In 1982, Steve Jobs was featured in the Time Magazine cover story about "America's Risk Takers" wherein the magazine emphasized the rapid success of the company, which recorded $2.7 million sales in 1977 and a staggering $200 million in 1980. The article still stated that Jobs needed to prove his capability as head of the company; “…Jobs, who had the vision to build one of America’s foremost companies from a hobbyist’s toy, must show that he has the foresight and ability to guide a major corporation”. By December of that year, Apple Computer became the first personal computer to reach $1 billion in annual sales.<ref>[http://www.pophistorydig.com/?tag=apple-mike-markkula "Apple Rising" 1976-1985]</ref>

===Wozniac & Jobs Resigned===

===Wozniac & Jobs Resigned===

On February 1985, Wozniac left Apple Computer and started '''CL9''', a company which manufactured remote controls for audio and video electronics.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1154/is_v73/ai_3750379/ PC papa abandons his baby - Steve Wozniak leaves Apple]</ref> By September, Jobs resigned from Apple after a power struggle between him and [[John Sculley]] and created '''NEXT'''Computer.<ref>[http://www.allaboutstevejobs.com/bio/timeline/timeline.html All About Steve Jobs.com]</ref> During that year, Apple suffered $40 million sales loss and laid off 1,200 employees.The company also sued Jobs for allegedly violating his duties as Chairman and misappropriating the company's proprietary information.<ref>[http://apple2history.org/appendix/ahb/ahb3/ Apple History 1982-1985]</ref> Meanwhile, prior to Wozniac and Jobs resignation from Apple,they received the '''National Medal of Technology''' from '''President Ronald Reagan'''.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=mXnw5tM8QRwC&pg=PA32&lpg=PA32&dq=CL9+Steve+Wozniak&source=bl&ots=PxEt4-3m3F&sig=au4kzMLanN9i-9sMIInVZuLnl34&hl=en&ei=Hr-ATrvBFoTfiAKd5Ni5Aw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CEcQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=CL9%20Steve%20Wozniak&f=false Apple confidential 2.0: the definitive history of the world's most colorful...by Owen W. Linzmayer, page 31]</ref>

In February, 1985, Wozniac left Apple Computer and started '''CL9''', a company that manufactured remote controls for audio and video electronics.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1154/is_v73/ai_3750379/ PC papa abandons his baby - Steve Wozniak leaves Apple]</ref> By September, Jobs resigned from Apple after a power struggle between him and [[John Sculley]] and created NEXT Computer.<ref>[http://www.allaboutstevejobs.com/bio/timeline/timeline.html All About Steve Jobs.com]</ref> During that year, Apple suffered a $40 million loss in sales and laid off 1,200 employees. The company also sued Jobs for allegedly violating his duties as Chairman and misappropriating the company's proprietary information.<ref>[http://apple2history.org/appendix/ahb/ahb3/ Apple History 1982-1985]</ref>  

 

Prior to Wozniac's and Jobs' resignations from Apple, they received the National Medal of Technology from President Ronald Reagan.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=mXnw5tM8QRwC&pg=PA32&lpg=PA32&dq=CL9+Steve+Wozniak&source=bl&ots=PxEt4-3m3F&sig=au4kzMLanN9i-9sMIInVZuLnl34&hl=en&ei=Hr-ATrvBFoTfiAKd5Ni5Aw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CEcQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=CL9%20Steve%20Wozniak&f=false Apple confidential 2.0: the definitive history of the world's most colorful...by Owen W. Linzmayer, page 31]</ref>

===Jobs Return to Apple===

===Jobs Returns to Apple===

In 1996, then Apple CEO Gil Amelio negotiated the acquisition of Next Computer and the NEXT STEP Operating System with Jobs. The plan was to use NEXT STEP the new operating system for a new Mac computer. On January, 7, 1997, Apple and NEXT officially merged. By March of 1997, majority of Apples' top executives left after the company experienced the worst quarter sales loss of $700 million. By July, Amelio resigned as CEO of the company. Jobs was named interim CEO and regained full control of the company he co-founded. In 1998, Apple introduced its new slogan, "Think Different" and the iMAC which became the best selling computer. The success of the iMAC made Jobs the permanent CEO of Apple.<ref>[http://lowendmac.com/orchard/05/next-acquisition.html NeXT, OpenStep, and the Triumphant Return of Steve Jobs]</ref>

In 1996, then Apple CEO Gil Amelio negotiated the acquisition of Next Computer and the NEXT STEP Operating System with Jobs. The plan was to use NEXT STEP the new operating system for a new Mac computer. On January, 7, 1997, Apple and NEXT officially merged. By March of 1997, majority of Apples' top executives left after the company experienced the worst quarter sales loss of $700 million. By July, Amelio resigned as CEO of the company. Jobs was named interim CEO and regained full control of the company he co-founded. In 1998, Apple introduced its new slogan, "Think Different" and the iMAC which became the best selling computer. The success of the iMAC made Jobs the permanent CEO of Apple.<ref>[http://lowendmac.com/orchard/05/next-acquisition.html NeXT, OpenStep, and the Triumphant Return of Steve Jobs]</ref>