Perils of Strategy and Cool-Hunting

A chronology of events from the inception of Palm's precursor companies to its acquisition by H-P yesterday illustrates vividly both the challenges of sustaining success over the long-haul (strategy) and the constant quest for coolness.  Palm periodically became very cool, but as with all things cool, the attraction faded, especially when combined with habitually ineffective strategies for launching and selling products.

Product coolness in any industry is, at best, a short-term strategy in almost any industry except fashion, music and film.  The trick is to become cool and then build a sustainable market.