Amazon.com, Inc. is an American multinational technology company based in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. It is considered one of the Big Four technology companies, along with Google, Apple, and Facebook. Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos in Bellevue, Washington, on July 5, 1994. The company started as an online bookstore and later diversified to sell video downloads/streaming, MP3 downloads/streaming, audiobook | downloads/streaming, software, video games, electronics, apparel, furniture, food, toys, and jewelry. The company also owns a publishing arm, Amazon Publishing, a film and television studio, Amazon Studios, and a cloud computing subsidiary, Amazon Web Services. It produces consumer electronics including Kindle e-readers, Fire tablets, Fire TV, and Echo devices. It is the world's largest online marketplace, Al assistant provider, and cloud computing platform as measured by revenue and market capitalization. Amazon is the largest Internet company by revenue in the world. In 2015, Amazon surpassed Walmart as the most valuable retailer in the United States by market capitalization. In 2017, Amazon acquired Whole Foods Market for $13.4 billion, which vastly increased Amazon's presence as a brick-and-mortar retailer. The acquisition was interpreted by some as a direct attempt to challenge Walmart's traditional retail stores. In 1994, Jeff Bezos founded Amazon.com, an online bookseller that quickly became one of the largest retailers on the Internet. Bezos' innovative use of technology transformed Amazon.com into a successful e- commerce platform, allowing the company to expand into a variety of product categories, including apparel, electronics, and food. Today, Amazon.com is one of the world's most valuable companies, with a market capitalization of over $1 trillion. Bezos' leadership has been instrumental in Amazon.com's success. He has a reputation for being a demanding boss, but he is also known for his visionary thinking and his ability to take risks. Under Bezos' guidance, Amazon.com has made a number of bold bets, including the development of the Kindle e-reader, the launch of the Amazon Prime membership + While Amazon.com is a clear leader in the e-commerce space, it faces stiff competition from several well-established retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. In addition, Amazon.com's expansion into new product categories, such as apparel and grocery, has put it up against a number of specialized retailers, such as Gap and Kroger. Strengths: - Jeff Bezos is a visionary leader with a proven track record of success - Amazon.com has a strong brand and is one of the most trusted names in e-commerce. -The company has a diversified business model, with multiple revenue Streams. - Amazon.com has a strong technology platform that allows it to scale quickly and efficiently. Weaknesses: - Amazon.com is facing increased competition from several well- established retailers. - The company is investing heavily in new businesses, which may not be profitable in the short-term. - Amazon.com's reliance on third-party sellers raises concerns about quality control. 5 Opportunities: - The global e-commerce market is expected to continue to grow at a rapid Pace. - Amazon.com can continue to expand its product offerings and move into new markets. -The company can continue to invest in new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and drones. Threats: - Amazon.com's competitors could catch up to the company in terms of technology and innovation. - The company could be subject to increased regulation. - Economic conditions could deteriorate, impacting consumer spending. - Amazon.com's fulfillment centers could be disrupted by natural disasters or other events. Organizational Challenge: The challenge for Amazon.com is to continue to grow at a rapid pace while maintaining its profitability. The company is investing heavily in new businesses, such as grocery and apparel, which may not be profitable in the short-term. In addition, Amazon.com is facing increased competition from several well-established retailers. 6