Likewise Digital Equipment focused on its profit margin in computer-aided design and manufacturing software only to be destroyed by its lower margin but higher volume competitor AutoCad.

FORBES

The best ones design product from the beginning to target specific price and margin points.

FORBES: Pricing Part 2 -- Focus On Specialty & Vertically Integrated Retailers

Because it specialises in high-margin goods, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and design, it still manufactures 85% of its production in Italy.

ECONOMIST: An Italian success story

But at least for privately held companies involved in computer systems design and related services, business remains strong, according to new sales and profit margin data from Sageworks Inc.

FORBES: Business booming for IT providers