"Here we go again. Apple Computer, Silicon Valley's paragon of dysfunctional management and fumbled techno-dreams, is back in crisis mode, scrambling lugubriously in slow motion to deal with imploding sales, a floundering technology strategy, and a hemorrhaging brand name. About all that Apple's 13,000 shell-shocked employees, its 30,000 hapless shareholders, and the 20 million queasy Macintosh faithful can do is look on in dismay, just as the company's chronically passive board seems to be doing once again."
"Never mind that Next Software was a boutique with revenues that would amount to less than a rounding error to Apple. Jobs, the Svengali of Silicon Valley, may have outdone himself this time: Not only did he collect $100 million and 1.5 million shares of Apple stock for his stake in Next, but his fingerprints are all over Amelio's latest reorganization plan and product strategy-even though Jobs doesn't have an operational role or even a board seat."
Apple's sales plunged 32% to $2.1 billion for the quarter ended December 27, producing a $120 million loss. Approximately 13,000 employees, 30,000 shareholders, and 20 million Macintosh users are facing uncertainty. CEO Gil Amelio's public statements offered little clarity while a complex internal power struggle unfolded at Cupertino headquarters. Amelio's $400-million acquisition of NeXT and the advisory role of Steve Jobs have altered internal dynamics. Jobs received $100 million and 1.5 million Apple shares. Jobs is exerting significant influence over reorganization plans and product strategy despite lacking an operational role or a board seat.
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