Both Apple, Inc. and Microsoft Corporation have invested plenty to try and convince the population to ‘choose’ the best computer.
For example, Apple, Inc. might campaign on its ease of use, compatibility of its devices in the Apple ecosystem, and less threats for malware and viruses. On the other hand, Microsoft Corporation might focus on its wider range of software solutions that are available for its Windows platform as well as the variety of computer systems and price points from its various hardware manufacturing partners who support the Windows operating system.
But which company is correct? Well, as Apple enthusiasts we have our opinion:)
Here are 4 reasons we would argue in favor of using Mac for business:
- Security: Apple’s OS X operating system has a well-deserved reputation of being far less vulnerable to malware, viruses and other malicious attacks. There have long been hypotheses, discussions and disagreements as to why this is. The general consensus is that are two primary possibilities:
1.) Apple’s OS X operating system is simply more secure than the Windows operating system
2.) Developers of these malicious programs primarily focus on and target the Windows operating system because it has the larger market share
NOTE: These programs must be written for a specific operating system. A malicious piece of software written for one operating system, in theory, therefore cannot negatively affect another operating system as it simply cannot execute
What is not a consensus is which of these two reasons is the primary. But, either way, the end result is that companies typically don’t have to invest - on a yearly basis - in antivirus software on Apple Macintosh devices. On the other hand, Windows-based desktops and laptops generally need several layers of protection.
Many in the tech community still believe in Apple’s overall security, including David Morgenstern at ZDNet whose article on this topic is entitled, “Sorry to say that Apple platforms are still more secure.”
- Cost: It's true that some Windows-based machines fall into what is known as a sub $500 category. However these are generally purchased for consumer purposes. Businesses generally do not purchase these machines. When comparing a business-ready Windows machine to the price of an equivalent Macintosh, the price differential becomes much smaller.
- Life cycle: The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for a Macintosh is arguably lower than that of its Windows counterpart. Businesses genrally enjoy longer lifecycles by using Macintosh which, in turn, helps to lower the overall cost. Also, Marcy Boneright of DealNews points out that Apple's tight control of its ecosystem results in the fact that all the Macintosh related components are optimized to work together. That allows every process to run more smoothly, throughout the lifetime of the system.
- Support: Computer challenges will always arise. Is it an end user who needs help or a machine that needs to be repaired? Apple scores far higher than its competitors for the key elements that make for successful online and phone support: ease of contacting staff, clarity of advice, technical knowledge, patience, and time for follow-up.
There are clearly many more reasons to consider than just these four; however, for most businesses, these are quite often four of the biggest concerns. When choosing computing platforms for employees, it is now easier than ever for businesses to make the decision to offer "choice".
