End of an icon, beginning of a new era

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, died on October 5th, 2011 at the age of 56. Jobs, who survived pancreatic cancer, resigned as CEO of Apple in August of this year. Photo courtesy of Apple.comBy Devang Joshi
joshid@mytjnow.com

This past week the world lost a truly remarkable human being, former Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The death of Steve Jobs marks the end of a wonderful career, one that brought us so many wonderful things: the Apple Lisa, the iPhone and, of course, let’s not forget movies like Toy Story. 

However I am not going to tell you how important Mr. Jobs was or how great Apple computers are or how you need an iPhone or why everyone needs to watch Toy Story until their eyes bleed (I am a PC man, I don’t even text message and Toy Story didn’t change my life). 

No, the products are not what I am going to focus on. I’m not going to fret about the future of Apple (they will be fine by the way); instead, I am going to focus on the intangible —Mr. Jobs’ passion for technology. 

If there is one thing that I admire about Steve Jobs it was his unstoppable passion for development, his unwavering resolve for bringing the world the most unique and useful devices.  This passion is what has helped shape the world we live in. 

Think about where we would be if it was not for the affordable desktop computer or all the mobile devices we use day to day.

That kind of innovation came to light due in large part to the foresight of individuals like Steve Jobs whose passion for the continual innovation of technology never ceased to push the boundaries. 

One of Mr. Job’s biggest contributions to technology was his uncanny ability to share the “new” with the general public. In essence, it was his ability to bridge the gap between the everyday ‘Joe’ and the computer geek to make wonderful things happen. 

Yes, Steve Jobs taught us computer dorks how to effectively communicate with the rest of the world, a concept that is so very important in a world driven by technology.

With such a great person gone, it is up to all of us to continue to work for what he believed in. It was never just about the iMac or the iPad; it was about pushing the envelope and about making something unique in a sea of “normal”. 

I am going to wrap up with a quote: “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower” –Steve Jobs. 

We owe it to ourselves to innovate in every one of mankind’s endeavors; it is what pushes the human race forward. Thanks for never losing sight of that, Mr. Jobs.