Mac OS X desktop appeal

Mac OS X is more appealing than Linux to big business as a desktop operating system, according to Gartner Research, and appeal for Apple systems is growing despite a limited number of enterprise Mac clients. Apple's operating system is unlikely to take market share from Microsoft's domineering Windows in the enterprise market, however, as some 70 percent of those applications require Microsoft's OS to run. The researchers note that "in many instances, Macs are replacing Unix and Linux workstations, rather than Windows PCs." The Cupertino-based company is making numerous mistakes with regard to attracting scale enterprise deployments, according to a report from ZDNet Australia, including failing to license its operating system to third party manufacturers and refusing to provide clearer outlooks for supporting current versions of its operating system.

Mac OS X is also designed to provide a consumer-oriented experience, which detracts from potential enterprise installations which generally stray away from 'distracting' or otherwise non-work-related features.

"Most companies try to minimize the amount of consumer software they load on their users' PCs to reduce legal and licensing exposure, limit the time users spend on non-work-related tasks and minimize support costs," wrote Gartner in its research report. "Therefore, Apple's preload and its significant strength in the seamless integration of its software load is, at best, unneeded and, at worst, diametrically opposed to the practices of most businesses and government organizations."

by MacNN Staff