Windows or Mac?
The Consumer Electronics Show is currently underway in Las Vegas, and Mr. Gates keynoted with much ballyhoo about Vista, the new version of Windows that is set to replace XP later this year. This got me thinking…
You’re about to launch a small business - let’s say five to ten employees max. Do you go with Windows computers or Macs?
Now, I’ve always been a Windows user. At the tender age of fifteen, I even had a job troubleshooting Windows 3.1 computers over the phone. Ctrl+Alt+Del did the trick every time. Back then it was clunky, and while it still has crufty remnants, Windows has generally evolved into a nice, usable system. As long as you browse the web with Firefox and don’t open any emails with an attachment that looks like "ParisHilton.exe", it does just fine. You can buy every sort of software imaginable for it, and the security is finally getting better. Running Windows XP is like running a 2005 Cadillac CTS with a circa 1960 carbureted engine - its an old technology under the hood that they’ve gussied up over the years with some bells and whistles. But darned if I don’t know how carbureted engines work - I like Windows.
With that said, the old engine is showing its age in the face of the variable valve-timed, fuel-injected MacOS. It is a beautiful, simple operating system. I can still use the Office Suite, the Adobe Creative Suite, and Macromedia Dreamweaver. It’s safe and secure, and because it is built on a Unix core (geek speak for "really powerful operating system"), it runs all of my open-source web server technology (geek speak for "free but powerful stuff that makes my website work"). The MacOS connects easily to Windows file-sharing networks, so its users are not consigned to their own silo of data. Never used it before, you say? No problem - it takes about three hours to learn if you’re on your own, and since Mac boosters are as rabid as some members of persecuted minority groups, you should have no problem finding one to help you out if you do get stuck. Sure, Apple’s superstar is the iPod+iTunes combination, but don’t let that fool you - the MacOS is all business when it needs to be.
Which gets back to my original quandary. Windows PCs have long been the choice of businesses the world over, but I can’t find a compelling reason not to build a small business network around the MacOS. The entrepreneur has to hypertune every ounce of competitive advantage into her business - is there a clear cut winner here?
January 6th, 2006 at 1:52 pm
The main issue for small businesses is that buying into Windows involves buying into the whole upgrade cycle. Someone buys a computer for their biz, and installs Office. They start relying on Outlook, then they add people/computers. Now they want to share calendars, so now they need (a) a server, and (b) Microsoft Exchange (bundled as part of Microsoft Small Business Server). You need client access licenses (CALs) at $100+ a pop for new people (sold in blocks of 10). And so on.
I don’t know that Macs are any different in this regard (paricularly if you’re using Office/Outlook).
For small businesses, the network and software need to "just run" - most small business owners are not tech geeks. So, most businesses will rely on a VAR who specializes in either Windows or Mac.
Windows has some advantages because of it’s greater installed base. I don’t think Apple really emphasizes this part of their business. See their Web site ("Business" along top menu) - they don’t do a good job of selling to the 5-10 person business that needs a server. So Microsoft tends to win by default, unless the business owner has a real thing for Macs/Apple.
I think with a good VAR to support it, a Mac environment is viable for small business. But it will almost certainly cost more up front, in both hardware and support. The overall payoff is harder to measure.
January 9th, 2006 at 5:54 pm
Your leading question begs several comments, but first is a slap at the failed analogy to cars. Cadillac has been at the forefront of new powertrain technologies for years, including the Northstar engines from the 90’s.
Now to more important stuff. There are good reasons small businesses should consider going with alternative operating systems, including Apple, especially if they have system needs that it meets better than others. Some may argue that Linux is an even better solution.
However, Mike’s point is dead on. Most small businesses are focused on the end game, or better be if they want to stay around. If the computer and the network are the means to the end, then as long as they get me there, I’m going for the one with more resources available to me. That is more often MS. If the computers, systems, and network are part of the end game, then I choose the system that best fits my needs, and my team’s skills.
February 3rd, 2006 at 9:40 pm
With the new Macs running on Intel chips you can be sure more small businesses will loose their fear over Apple. It is just a matter of time before all their computers run on the Intel chip - even the $500 Mac Mini.
I used to work at a 500 person marketing agency where every computer was a Mac (servers included). I”ve used Mac ever since and wont go back. I figure any extra cost it takes to setup a network or server would be the same cost I would be paying to fight viruses. Plus I get to keep all my data.
FYI to all the MS Office users. They have it for Mac. You get Excel, Word, PPT, and Entourage (Outlook).