The notion that innovation is tied to creative destruction is embedded in the psyche of innovators and entrepreneurs, which is why individuals and companies instinctively focus on disruption in pursuit of innovation and growth. But is disruption the only way to innovate and create new markets? And is it the best way?

The case describes a series of blue ocean strategic moves made by Salesforce.com in the CRM application market. In particular, the case addresses the concern of business executives over the applicability of blue ocean strategy in the B2B area. B2B managers often find that they are locked into providing products of certain types and specifications to their immediate customers.

The case documents the international development of the world's leading enterprise software maker SAP. It discusses the evolution of the firm from its German roots to international delivery to now global architecture and operations. The core dilemma is how to realize teamwork and innovation on a global basis to sustain profitable growth and advance the firm to the next level.

The case chronicles the history of the semiconductor industry, the rise to dominance of Intel, the history of Motorola and its competitive position in microprocessors and the AIM Alliance in 1996.