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Apple, Microsoft need each other?

updated 05:15 pm EDT, Tue April 4, 2006

AAPL, MS need each other?


Apple and Microsoft need each other to resolve both company's "impossible" problems, according to one columnist. A TechNewsWorld column explores the possibility of Microsoft acquiring Apple, as well as a simple partnership between the two firms. Citing Microsoft's terrible reputation and image alongside Apple's inability to penetrate the desktop market, Rob Enderle spells out how he believes both companies could thrive by working together. "What if Apple worked with Microsoft to make the iPod 'Plays for Sure'-compliant, and Microsoft worked with Apple to make the Mac OS a true peer platform to Windows? The end result would be more competition for both companies, and it probably would grow the overall markets as well and remove a lot of the foundation driving the litigation plaguing both firms." The columnist also mentions the growing threat of a Linux desktop, which could hit Apple hard should it see widespread adoption.


by MacNN Staff

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Comments

  1. gambit23

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 2004

    0

    Ugh.

    I hate to start the comments off on the wrong foot, but it's scientific fact that Rob Enderle is a moron. For proof, check out his other Mac-based articles.

    On second thought, don't justify his column with hits.

  1. SierraDragon

    Mac Elite

    Joined: Mar 2004

    0

    No Way

    Apple is, well... independent. And innovative, competent. MS's business model has always been buy/steal/dominate, never innovate. The two may need each other - but never in the same room.

  1. Warrenpeace

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Oct 2001

    0

    This again?

    Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

  1. dynsight

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: May 2005

    0

    users lose

    I tend to agree with the comments. Maybe in fantasy lala land, M$ and Apple make the world safe for easy computing, but users would definitely not win. I think Apple would be forced to make consessions on their independance, and M$ would feel bogged down with all of the "unneccessary" fluff (like ease of use, excellent design) that Apple users like.

    Comment about Linux is silly too. I love Linux. I use SUSE Slackware and Ubunto, and I would never in my wildest dreams subjugate my very intelligent wife or friends (who are not techies) to it. There are just too many issues. Even upgrading and intalling programs bring up so many "frighening" dialog boxes. Can you manage the average PC user trying to make decisions about file dependencies. Linux is years away from being a desktop threat.

    And still no decent color correction for printing!

  1. doc e

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2005

    0

    What for?

    What does Microsoft have to offer that Apple really needs? The longest running bluff in American history is starting to come to an end as Microsoft continues to flounder under the pressure of actually creating an OS. Apple truly innovates; Microsoft does not. Microsoft's idea of innovation is to look at what Apple's doing, copy it as closely as possible without getting sued, then mass market it. Do you know where computing would be if Apple wasn't around to give everyone ideas? MS would still be a "c" prompt on a green screen; the only advancement being it would be an LCD.

    Apple is doing fine; getting better all the time. Microsoft is the one in trouble; not Apple. Linux is no threat to anybody right now nor would it be for a long time. The only company it would threaten anyways is Microsoft.

  1. jpellino

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Oct 1999

    0

    Thank You Captain Obvious

    They've been working together for a while - Apple is effectively MS's R&D unit, and The MacBU is Apple's ace in the hole for compatibility via Office. Apple doesn't want to be bought by MS. Ask the folks at Web TV, Virtual PC etc... Apple does need to ficx some things that are frustrating compared to Win (FTP read/write on the desktop, Samba implementation) but look what Win is playing catch-up on. As for "Plays For Sure" let's see some market share first.

  1. bobolicious

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2002

    0

    Fixed macs = desktops...

    I can't help but think if Apple really wanted to move into the business world they could do it - but they need to fix basic things like iSinc losing contact data, java compatability (would allow neooffice to run) & offering a virtual booting environment (so far 3rd party planned) - to be honest they may have supply issues or other limitations if such were to come to pass & I get the sense that they really just don't care that much about getting bigger...

  1. TimmyDee51

    Mac Elite

    Joined: Mar 2000

    0

    Enough is enough

    Stop. . . posting. . . c***. . . by. . . Enderle.

  1. Feathers

    Grizzled Veteran

    Joined: Oct 1999

    0

    plays for sure?

    Enderle obviously knows nothing about competition (or anti-trust) if he thinks M$ buying Apple could work or even whether the SEC would allow it, I don't think so!

    Why does iPod+iTunes need "Plays for Sure" when they already have 80% of the market? Hmmm...nothing wrong with my backside but maybe I should ram a strychnine e**** up it, just to be on the safe side? Appropriate for an analcyst like Enderle.

  1. Feathers

    Grizzled Veteran

    Joined: Oct 1999

    0

    plays for sure?

    Enderle obviously knows nothing about competition (or anti-trust) if he thinks M$ buying Apple could work or even whether the SEC would allow it, I don't think so!

    Why does iPod+iTunes need "Plays for Sure" when they already have 80% of the market? Hmmm...nothing wrong with my backside but maybe I should ram a strychnine e**** up it, just to be on the safe side? Appropriate for an analcyst like Enderle.

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