CIO: Macworld for IT execs

Last week's Macworld Expo contained a number of important products that IT executives should be aware of, says CIO. The magazine argues that while Macworld has traditionally showcased products for artists, schools and small businesses, there were a number of products this year that major corporations should at least be aware of. Among these is the MacBook Air, which may be in high demand for travelers due to its weight and thinness. This may unintentionally create a security problem, as it can more easily be smuggled out of a building.

Citing figures from Apple CEO Steve Jobs, the magazine notes that more IT departments may have to begin supporting the iPhone, as it already has nearly 20 percent of the smartphone market; with an average of 20,000 iPhones being sold per day, CIO describes iPhone adoption as an "inevitability."

Also inevitable may be the adoption of Microsoft's Office 2008 for Mac, but there are a number of other pieces of software which may be not be as obvious, among them project management software such as Merlin, Project X and FastTrack Schedule 9, as well as GridIron Flow, which is said to be better-tailored to showing assets and dependencies.

The magazine also puts high emphasis on virtualization from the likes of VMware, Parallels and WebEx, noting that it solves the stress of merging two platforms. Some users, for instance, may benefit from remote access software which allows them to retrieve PC work files using their Mac at home.

Atempo demonstrated its Live Backup software, which continuously tracks and saves data changes from linked computers, and can backup material whether it is altered in the office or somewhere outside. Finally, asset management played a significant role at Macworld, with programs by JAMF, FileWave and Faronics offering the ability to install software remotely, and/or track updates, hardware and licensing for corporate inventory.

by MacNN Staff