Amazon

Amazon

Amazon is a multinational technology company based in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. It is one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook.

History

Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos on July 5, 1994. Initially, it started as an online marketplace for books but later expanded to sell electronics, software, video games, apparel, furniture, food, toys, and jewelry. In 2015, Amazon surpassed Walmart as the most valuable retailer in the United States by market capitalization.

Early Years

Jeff Bezos incorporated the company as "Cadabra" on July 5, 1994. The name was later changed to Amazon, after the Amazon River in South America, in part because the name begins with the letter "A," which is at the beginning of the alphabet.

Expansion and Growth

Amazon went public in 1997. The company began selling music and videos in 1998, at which time it began operations internationally by acquiring online sellers of books in the United Kingdom and Germany.

Business Model

Amazon's business model is based on its ability to sell a wide variety of goods at low prices. The company uses a combination of low prices, a wide selection, and convenience to attract customers.

E-commerce

Amazon's e-commerce platform is one of the largest in the world. It offers a wide range of products, including books, electronics, clothing, and more. The company also offers a subscription service called Amazon Prime, which provides users with free shipping, access to streaming video and music, and other benefits.

Cloud Computing

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a subsidiary of Amazon providing on-demand cloud computing platforms and APIs to individuals, companies, and governments, on a metered pay-as-you-go basis. AWS is a leader in the cloud computing industry, offering a wide range of services including computing power, storage options, and networking.

Innovations

Amazon is known for its innovations in technology and logistics. The company has developed a number of technologies to improve its operations and customer experience.

Amazon Alexa

Amazon Alexa is a virtual assistant AI technology developed by Amazon, first used in the Amazon Echo smart speaker. Alexa is capable of voice interaction, music playback, making to-do lists, setting alarms, streaming podcasts, playing audiobooks, and providing weather, traffic, sports, and other real-time information.

Amazon Go

Amazon Go is a chain of convenience stores in the United States operated by Amazon. The stores are partially automated, with customers able to purchase products without being checked out by a cashier or using a self-checkout station.

Criticisms and Controversies

Amazon has faced criticism and controversy over various issues, including its treatment of workers, its environmental impact, and its market dominance.

Labor Practices

Amazon has been criticized for its labor practices, including the working conditions in its warehouses and its treatment of employees. The company has faced numerous protests and strikes by workers demanding better pay and working conditions.

Environmental Impact

Amazon has also been criticized for its environmental impact, particularly its use of packaging materials and its carbon footprint. The company has made efforts to address these concerns, including committing to using 100% renewable energy by 2025.

See Also

• E-commerce
• Cloud computing
• Artificial intelligence

References

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External Links

• Official website