As said, first mover advance. In addition do the key-alliances in advance in the market or industry you want to deploy your product/technology and keep it simpl

As said, first mover advance. In addition do the key-alliances in advance in the market or industry you want to deploy your product/technology and keep it simple and good enough to kill any competitor. You could also try to become the standard referal in the community of hardcore users you want, such open source, early adopter geeks, mac fanboys or whoever you are targeting, but remember you can't be liked by everyone and copy/competition is a natural part of success.