Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) is a hugely successful technology company, generating more revenue and profit in a single quarter than most technology companies could hope to generate in an entire year. That success has been built on the back of a string of category-defining product launches and Apple's strong execution in staying a step or two ahead of hungry competitors.History is replete with examples of technology companies that once generated vast sums of revenue and profit, only to either cease to exist or become shadows of their former selves.