Keeping Workers In the Dark
Fired and Sued Workers Who Leaked Information About Unannounced Products
Apple Computer Inc. generates buzz for its new products by obsessively enforcing a strict secrecy policy. But the policy can sometimes leave partners, big customers and even employees in the dark. Consider Hewlett-Packard Co.’s recent experience. In early 2004, H-P cut a deal to repackage Apple’s iPod digital music player and sell it with the H-P label. Even though they were partners, Apple often didn’t tell H-P about new iPod models until the day before they were introduced to the public, people familiar with the matter say. That left H-P scrambling to package and stamp its name on the jointly branded iPods for months after Apple put its version on sale.”
Apple, based in Cupertino, Calif., mostly keeps its plans for new products to itself. It rigidly compartmentalizes itself so that even its own employees don’t find out about coming products. It has fired and later sued workers who leaked information about unannounced products. Sneaky spies!
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