Apple [NASDAQ:AAPL] is often cited as a model of innovation, leading BusinessWeek's Most Innovative Companies list every year since it was established in 2005. We know that design and cool are key elements of Apple's success. However, the old-fashioned concept of vertical integration is critical to the company's innovativeness.When Apple introduced the Macintosh in 1984, they controlled all aspects of the hardware, operating system, and software. This focus on vertical integration...