Apple (AAPL) played a big role in determining the top 10 makers of micro-electro-mechanical systems last year. MEMS suppliers that won Apple business gained market share, while those that lost contracts fell in the rankings. German engineering and electronics firm Bosch was the top supplier of MEMS in 2014 with $1.17 billion in sales and 12.3% market share, research firm IHS reported Wednesday. Its MEMS sales rose 16.6% from 2013. Overall, MEMS
Apple (AAPL) reportedly has acquired FoundationDB, a database technology specialist, as the iPhone maker aims to build up revenue from services. Morgan Stanley, in a research report last week, estimated that services could account for nearly 20% of Apple’s operating income by 2017, up from 14% last year. Acquiring Virginia-based FoundationDB reportedly would help Apple streamline back-office support for apps and software services, analysts say.
Apple (AAPL) retail employees will be treating Apple Watch customers like one of those BuzzFeed quizzes, such as “Which character from ‘Friends’ are you?” Apple store employees are being trained to identify customer types for its three styles of Apple Watch (regular, sport and luxury) as well as what type of watchband they might desire. In other words, “What type of Apple Watch are you?” 9to5Mac senior editor Mark Gurman reports that Apple has created multiple sample personas to prepare employees for the launch, he said. They include “Lee,” a restaurant server who considers himself a trendy guy, and “Susana,” a woman on a budget who is willing to splurge on something nice. For the sales process, Apple employees are being coached to respond to specific customer comments, Gurman said. They’re also being trained in how to determine a customer’s wants and needs related to Apple’s smartwatch. Apple store employees…