In October of 1999 I was watching a Steve Jobs keynote where he was introducing a new lineup of iMac’s. Jobs paid an atypical, reverent, and almost loving homage to Sony founder Akio Morita. At the time, it was crystal clear to me that he’d done an honorable thing — that was also good business.

Having worked myself for two Japanese companies (Pioneer Electronics and Panasonic Comm & Sys Co), I’m acutely aware of the deep and profound impact such an honorable and public tribute means to Japanese people (especially those who so revere someone of the stature of Akio Morita). Why was this good business? Sony is the closest company on the planet to Apple in innovation, design and aesthetics, Apple outsources all their manufacturing, and no other company could offer an innovator like Steve Jobs the ability to deliver unbeatable world-class products. If Steve Jobs had any intention of one day collaborating with Sony, it was good business to start the relationship strong.

I’ve thought about the introduction of the Mac mini and that it’s probably a product intended for its target: iPod owners who use PC’s but haven’t considered a Mac due to its expense. It also struck me as yet another example of good business — inviting up Sony President Kunitake Ando to speak to the assembled masses at MacWorld — but I instantly recognized it as a simple prelude to bigger things.

I think there are bigger things on the horizon…

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