Analyst: Apple doesn't need Jobs forever

Technology analyst Ezra Gottheil recently talked with PC World about Apple's future without Steve Jobs:

"Apple doesn't need Jobs anymore. He's established three sound businesses — Mac, iPod and the iPhone — and the company knows how to execute his fanatical devotion to design and usability. There's a stable management team in place, and they know what they're doing."

Which is worse? The media's morbid fascination with Steve's (hopefully long-in-the-future) retirement or death, or the notion that he's too dumb or self-important to have created a plan of succession?

I'm not privy to Apple's management process or strategy, and I assume Ezra isn't either, but it's safe to say he's right about that. The Mac, iPod and iPhone are well established and I'm sure the business plans for each platform look far into the future.

The larger question is, will Apple be successful without Steve Jobs? That's the question that scares investors and causes the stock to dive when some jerk posts a fake story about Steve's health. The fear isn't completely unfounded. The last time Steve left Apple, the company nearly disappeared. In fact, it was only after he returned that Apple was saved.

But that was different. Steve was asked to leave, and not afforded the opportunity to identify a successor. I'm certain that a plan is in place today which will ensure the company's future. Will Apple be the same without Steve Jobs? No, of course not. But will it be bad?

No, of course not.

[Via MacDailyNews]