Read the Amazon.com ChapterCase at the end of Chapter 8, and then answer the following 3 questions in an initial post to express your original, relevant analyses and observations from the case:

1. What is Amazons core business? Is AWS related to Amazons core business? Why or why not? Some investors are pressuring Jeff Bezos to spin out AWS as a standalone company. Do you agree with this corporate strategy recommendation? Why or why not? Hint: Do you believe AWS would be more valuable within Amazon or as a standalone company?

2. Amazon.com is now 25 years old and makes $140 billion in annual revenues. As an investor, would it concern you that Amazon.com has yet to deliver any consistent profits? Why or why not? How much longer do you think investors will be patient with Jeff Bezos as he continues to pursue billion-dollar diversification initiatives?

3. Amazon.com continues to spend billions on seemingly unrelated diversification efforts. Do you believe these efforts contribute to Amazon gaining and sustaining a competitive advantage? Why or why not?

After you have made your initial post, provide at least one response to one of your classmates postings that conveys specific and well-developed thoughts, ideas, or comments about what they discussed.