07.17.07
Vista Cluster = Mac + Linux Adoption
Microsoft is shooting itself in the foot by forcing users to adopt Vista. Beyond the software costs, the updated hardware requirements (and thus, additional costs) and just the general cluster in migrating older systems to Vista, not to mention the training involved - a lot of businesses are taking a second look at the Mac OS as well as Ubuntu Linux installations.
I know what you’re thinking - iBob has robbed my brain of any rational thought.
Hardly.
There was a recent article in ComputerWorld that features a case story of a large parts manufacturer dumping windows. Of course the story is filled with caveats - like they have to re-write their own in-house Windows-only application on the Mac, and they will use Parallels for some stuff during the transition, but they are making the switch.
Wether or not this is the start of something bigger - only time will tell.
Personally, I think that Apple has a HUGE opportunity here - to finally unbundle their OS with their hardware. We all know how anal Steve Jobs can be when it comes to controlling the entire computing (or music or phone) service from end-to-end - but I think it’s a mistake to be so close-minded.
If Apple doesn’t do it - Ubuntu Linux will. Dell has started shipping Ubuntu as a pre-installed option on their computers. Wouldn’t it be great if they could also offer the Mac OS? That would really shake things up in the PC world - and maybe, just maybe allow Apple to gain more traction at this critical juncture.
If they wait too long, however, it will be a missed opportunity. The hardware will get faster, IT shops will refresh their hardware with Vista installed, and we’ll all be subject to WinBlows forever…
Michael Clakre said,
April 8, 2008 at 4:41 am
I think you are missing the point of what makes Apple Mac a stable and successful platform. The hardware and the software on a purchased Apple Mac are made by one company, Apple Inc. This offers greater software/ hardware integration. The Mac OS is optimised for the hardware that Apple Manufactures and vice versa. The reason why Windows does not offer this is because Microsoft are making a ‘cover-all’ OS for a vast home computing market. Furthermore, Microsoft have often given false minimum requirements to get Windows out into the market, installed on budget machines that actually are not geared up for running such a bloated and poorly built operating system. Sorry I feel like I have digressed a little.
Apple have attempted this ‘unbundling’ of their OS in the past with the Macintosh Clones manufactured by Motorola and UMAX, to name a couple. Fortunately this ill-conceived project was brought to an end. Yes, if it continued then Apple could be in the position that Microsoft are today but then we would have the same old problems that we have on the Windows PC platform. The viruses, installing drivers at every turn, incompatibility issues, manufacturers making budget hardware that barely runs the OS…. I could go on.
I hope this is all enough food for thought.
Administrator said,
April 8, 2008 at 10:34 am
Hi Michael - thanks very much for your comments. I agree that part of the appeal of the Mac OS (and basically ALL Apple products) is that they have a “closed loop.” They control all the bits - and that’s a good thing in the sense that they have products that work very, very well - and look sexy as hell.
However, the “closed loop” concept tends to piss people off over time. Like - why can’t I just upload my own iPhone apps to my server - why go through iTunes? Like - I don’t really like Apple (or anyone else for that matter) telling me what I can and can’t do.
It’s definitely a double-edged sword. I applaud Apple’s efforts - and love their products. I also love Ubuntu Linux - because it lets me do whatever I want. Perhaps that’s the point: different OSes for different types of users.
Choice is a great thing! Thanks again for your opinion!