The Scoop on Confidentiality in Tech Giants: How Much Do Apple, Google, and Amazon Know About Each Other?

When it comes to the likes of Apple, Google, and Amazon, it might be tempting to think that they are in a constant state of secrecy, guarding their every move. However, the reality is a bit more nuanced. This article delves into the level of transparency between these tech giants, focusing on cloud services, IoT projects, and major acquisitions.

Sharing in the Cloud: Seasides, Recruitments, and Roadmaps

It is no secret that Apple, Google, and Microsoft have significant operations in Seattle—this is particularly true for the trio of tech behemoths we are considering for this discussion. The proximity of their Seattle offices along with a steady flow of talent between these companies has led to a level of shared knowledge that extends beyond just sales teams.

For instance, at least AWS, Google, and Microsoft have a fairly good view of each others' public cloud services roadmaps. This isn't by chance; it's a natural consequence of the overlapping hiring practices and the clustering of tech talent in the Pacific Northwest. This shared knowledge is not limited to cloud services alone; it extends to strategies, timelines, and even ongoing projects.

Behind Closed Doors: HomeKit on the Radar

To illustrate the level of collaboration and, sometimes, the breaching of confidentiality, let’s explore a specific scenario involving Apple. Over two years ago, I was working on large-scale projects with Apple, Google, and Amazon that led to acquisitions, new product developments, and major organizational changes in the area of the Internet of Things (IoT).

Surprisingly, despite the intense confidentiality measures in place, key milestones and developments were effectively kept secret among the companies. Some critical information was known by select individuals, but a vast network of employees, vendors, and partners had a grasp on what was happening without being official stakeholders.

HomeKit: A Fast-Track to Transparency

One notable example is the introduction of HomeKit. Apple’s Internet of Things framework was developed under a tight veil of secrecy, yet hundreds of non-Apple employees were aware of its development, albeit under a different name. This included software platform vendors, hardware vendors (like chip manufacturers), and consumer electronics companies. These parties often had overlapping interests and were part of the same complex web of discussions and collaborations.

Despite stringent confidentiality agreements and Apple's culture of maintaining silence on such matters, it's highly likely that counterparts at Amazon and Google were very much aware of Apple’s HomeKit. Given the nature of the project, secrets about such an ambitious system are often hard to maintain. The widespread awareness among vendors and partners indicates that the level of confidentiality was less than absolute, especially when it comes to large-scale projects involving multiple players.

The Nest Acquisition: A Deep Dive

An even more dramatic example was the acquisition of Nest by Google. While some at Apple might have suspected this was on the cards, it was a surprise to many. I was working with a dozen people on the retail side, and they were none the wiser. They all found out the same way as I did—through official announcements from Google.

This acquisition put Apple in a difficult position because Nest was so closely associated with their brand. After all, Nest's founder and CEO, Tony Fadell, came from Apple. Apple was the biggest seller of Nest thermostats, and the design of Nest products was undeniably reminiscent of Apple’s design ethos.

The real challenge for Apple, however, was that the Nest acquisition delivered for Google an IoT infrastructure in a box, with a market-ready product and distribution already in place. This put Apple in a situation that might prove irrecoverable, and the folks at Apple who were instrumental in conceiving and building out HomeKit were completely unaware of this strategic move.

Concluding Thoughts

While it is tempting to view these tech giants as islands of secrecy, the reality is that they often share a surprisingly high level of knowledge. This is due to their strategic collaborations, overlapping teams, and the interconnected nature of the tech industry. Understanding how much these companies know about each other's projects is crucial for businesses looking to navigate the competitive landscape of IoT and cloud services.