Apple and the Corporate World

[mathwhiz90601]

Just found this article: http://www.macobserver.com/columns/justathought/2007/08/03.1.shtml

Seems to me Apple needs the corporate market. We're generally thinking that at the speech on the 7th (see news thread) Apple will release iWork '08. My thoughts are that there should be a spreadsheet program built into iWork, as well as discounts on iWork and new Macs for businesses. That would make Mac market share shoot up, right?

 

[wrldwzrd89]

I have to agree with you there... iWork badly needs a spreadsheet component (and for that matter a database component). If Apple added these things, I'm sure corporate use of Macs would increase. By how much though, I'm not sure.

 

[Maui]

Jobs has hinted (actually, more than hinted) that very large corporations are currently testing the iPhone and other products for use in corporate environments. I know there are several such tests going on at my employer (which I can't name). But I agree a spreadsheet would help.

 

[CalBoy]

I think a spreadsheet application would be great, and I think it may come in the next iWork. However, depending on the business, even Access isn't enough, so maybe a database application wouldn't be such a great investment on Apple's part (at least not in the immediate future).

 

[mathwhiz90601]

But still, what about my original idea of corporate discounts?

 

[wrldwzrd89]

But still, what about my original idea of corporate discounts?

I don't know... I think it's unlikely that Apple will offer corporate discounts on iLife or iWork, but certainly possible. I don't see an incentive currently, for Apple to offer incentives for corporate users to use iWork. That might change if a spreadsheet component is added. I say we'll just have to wait and see.

 

[SC68Cal]

iWork is not going to be the killer app that makes people switch to the OS X platform. Office is going to be their security blanket during the transition.

The difficulty is trying to get a licensing deal for OS upgrades. Apple doesn't want to talk to you unless you like to buy computers.

 

[mathwhiz90601]

I have two more ideas:

Offer iWork free on Macs that buisnesses buy; or

Port iWork to Windows.

How do those sound?

 

[SC68Cal]

Port iWork to Windows.

Not worth it. You're never going to dislodge Office from the Windows platform.

Other one isn't such a bad idea. They give away iLife after all.

 

[Fairly]

I have to agree with you there... iWork badly needs a spreadsheet component (and for that matter a database component). If Apple added these things, I'm sure corporate use of Macs would increase. By how much though, I'm not sure.

Both John Gruber and John Siracusa say it's a bad thing if corporate use of Macs increases.

 

[Fairly]

But still, what about my original idea of corporate discounts?

If you get them in they won't leave so easily. If their software runs only on Mac OS X then where are they going to go? OTOH this is why most businesses are hesitant.

 

[CalBoy]

If you get them in they won't leave so easily. If their software runs only on Mac OS X then where are they going to go? OTOH this is why most businesses are hesitant.

Not only that, but there must be a compelling financial reason for businesses to change their habits. The cost of owning a Mac over several years is lower than owning a PC, but those costs are spread out over several years. With the Mac, it's one huge price tag (though not that huge anymore, the pricing is very, very competitive for most models now) in the beginning, followed by low maintenance throughout the life of the computer. I don't think very many businesses have sat down and thought it through this way (except for maybe Genentech, but that's a different story, as its CEO is an Apple board member)