Publications
Publications
- May 1992 (Revised July 1994)
- HBS Case Collection
Breaking with the Past?: Four Examples of Product Change
Abstract
Describes four examples of product change where the new version of the product makes a "break with the past" in some important respect. The four examples are those of the IBM PS/2 family of personal computers, Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software, Nikon's line of SLR camera bodies and lenses and Rolm's telephone switching system. Illustrates different ways in which a product may break with the past, and is useful for discussing the reasons for making a break and the implementation of the break in the context of a product line.
Keywords
Product Design; Change; Information Technology Industry; Computer Industry; Telecommunications Industry; Electronics Industry
Citation
Dhebar, Anirudh S. "Breaking with the Past?: Four Examples of Product Change." Harvard Business School Case 592-097, May 1992. (Revised July 1994.)