The best answer is C. The alliances formed by VHS producers with videotape manufacturers created partnerships between companies whose products were mutually interdependent. Choice (C), an alignment with the producer of a complementary product that is necessary for the original product to function correctly, offers the closest analogy.
An alignment between manufacturers of competing products (A) is not analogous, nor is an alignment with a parts manufacturer (B).
Choice (D) describe alignments with companies that distribute and market the product and are similar to some of the strategic alliances formed by VHS producers, but not to their alignment with videotape producers.