Apple’s Jobs remembered as ‘visionary’ by Canadian technology community

Canada’s technology community expressed sadness and respect for Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple Inc., who died on Wednesday at 56.

Condolences poured in from across the country, from users of the popular iPhone, iPod and iPad products, to the executives of Canadians companies who have either struggled to compete with Apple’s cutting-edge products or benefited from their popularity.

“Steve Jobs was a great visionary and a respected competitor,” Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, co-CEOs of rival Research in Motion (TSX:RIM), said in a statement.

RIM, developer of the BlackBerry smartphone, has arguably suffered the most from the rise of the iPhone, but also helped build an audience for the phone technology that Apple cultivated further.

Nokia chief executive Stephen Elop, a graduate of McMaster University in Hamilton, reacted on his Twitter account.

“Steve’s passion for simplicity and elegance leaves a legacy that will endure,” said Elop, head of the Finland-based company who was born in Ancaster, Ont.

Nokia Corp., once the world’s dominant cellphone maker, has been overtaken by its chief rival Apple whose iPhones sold more than all Nokia smartphone models during the second quarter.

The head of Rogers Communications (TSX:RCI.B), one of the telecommunication companies that has reaped the benefits of iPhone sales, praised Jobs’ legacy.

“Steve Jobs was one of the greatest innovators of our time,” said Nadir Mohamed, president and CEO of Rogers.

“He revolutionized how we consume entertainment, access information and stay in touch by making iconic devices that are brilliantly designed, intuitive and easy to use.”

The impact was also felt in the political community, with Treasury Board President Tony Clement, an outspoken supporter of Apple products, tweeting about Jobs’ death.

“Listening to my iTunes on my MacBook Pro, typing goodbye to Steve Jobs on my iPhone,” Clement wrote.

Technology analysts also weighed in on the news, as some questioned whether Apple will be able to maintain its status atop the industry without Jobs as a leader.

“While this is not unexpected, it is still a terribly sad and tragic event – end of an era, not just for Apple, not just for investors, but for the entire tech industry and for the world,” wrote RBC Capital Markets analyst Mike Abramsky.

Queens University business professor John Pliniussen called Jobs one of businesses’ most influential and iconic stars.

“Jobs was for business what the Beatles were to music: paradigm shifting,” Pliniussen said.

“And his legacy and touch will live on just as profoundly.”

Canada’s music community, where Apple has changed the way music is sold with its digital downloads, and the way music is produced with its GarageBand software, also reacted to the news.

Niagara Falls-born electronic producer Deadmau5 tweeted that Jobs was a “visionary.”

Timmins, Ont.-born pop musician Lights also took to her Twitter account to respond.

“My time line is filling up with blessings for the late Steve Jobs,” she wrote.

“How much one person can affect so many lives is incredible.”