Product details

Delta Electronics, an automotive supplier, moves from delivering components to integrated systems of hardware and software. The company is facing the entry of Sun's Java and Microsoft's Windows CE into automotive electronics. Delta must decide which of the two possible standards to follow, and understand how the entry of these software platforms changes its own competitive position. The case can be discussed in the context of product development and technology strategy. The goals to understand are: (1) the impact of product platforms on development costs, competences, and competitive position; (2) the competitive positioning of automotive suppliers between powerful customers (the car manufacturers) and emerging suppliers (Sun and/or Microsoft); and (3) the possible impact of new technologies on the automotive manufacturers themselves.