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February 10, 2003
ZDNet talks about Apple, the software company
David Coursey’s AnchorDesk article today discusses Apple’s softer side (ummm… software side). He continues his allegation that MacWorld Expo is ready for extinction (something that has been rumored lately after the expo CEO resigned). Coursey also hints at a strong Apple/Microsoft relationship despite Apple continuing to release software in direct competition (Keynote, Safari, Mail, iCal, Address Book, etc.) with Microsoft’s Mac software (IE, Office v.X); and he says to look for an OS X-compatible Exchange client soon.
Apple has always used its software to sell its hardware. Their we-sell-the-whole-solution strategy, despite declining market share, pays off with stable systems that pros and consumers alike can use. Of course, the “cool” factor reigns supreme in Cupertino. Rumors of them changing to Intel x86-based hardware and allowing OS X (not just Darwin) to run on any x86 hardware, are not likely. Jobs killed the clones in 1997, and he isn’t going to kill his hardware sales by opening that box again. Apple is a solutions company. Hardware and software (and more and more, service, like .Mac) are merely parts of the puzzle.
Posted by paullheureux at February 10, 2003 11:35 AM