Comparing First-movers in Technology

“Comparing First-movers in Technology” Please respond to the following:
• From the first and second e-Activities, analyze the key ways in which Intel and Microsoft capitalized on and reaped substantial first-mover advantages in pioneering new technologies. Provide a rationale to support your response.
• From the first and second e-Activities, compare Intel’s and Microsoft’s strategies in terms of their ability to profit from innovation. Next, analyze the manner in which shifts in new technologies revolutionized the structure of the industry, increasing profitability and growth through global expansion. Provide a rationale to support your response.
• Watch the video titled “Designer Behind the World’s First Microprocessor” (4 min 20 s). Be prepared to discuss.
Video Source: ChannelIntel (2011, September 27). Designer Behind the World’s First Microprocessor [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcOk3jMRoyA.
This video can be viewed from within your online course shell.
• Watch the video titled “TechForum 2012: A New Age of Personal Computing” (3 min 3 s). Be prepared to discuss.
Video Source: Microsoft (2012, February 27). TechForum 2012: A New Age of Personal Computing [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juoAo8p8OI8.

“Corporate-level Strategies” Please respond to the following:
• From the e-Activity, analyze the essential manner in which the new Southwest-AirTran merger and resulting low-cost structure strategy could maximize both companies’ long-term profitability. Support your response with at least two (2) examples that illustrate the manner in which each company would avoid risks associated with becoming too dependent upon its corporate partner.
• From e-Activity, determine the fundamental drawbacks associated with horizontal integration. Suggest another corporate-level strategy that could redefine the Southwest business model and thus allow the company to increase its competitive advantage within a changing industry environment. Provide a rationale to support your response.
http://www.cengage.com/management/book_content/9781111825874_hitt/videos/southwest_merger.html