The WSJ published a behind the scenes look at the type of negotiations and tactics employed by Apple’s Steve Jobs prior to the iPhone launch. Here’s a snippet from the article.

Mr. Jobs once referred to telecom operators as “orifices” that other companies, including phone makers, must go through to reach consumers. While meeting with Cingular and other wireless operators he often reminded them of his view, dismissing them as commodities and telling them that they would never understand the Web and entertainment industry the way Apple did, a person familiar with the talks says.