Growing trend of Macs in the enterprise?

[kylera]

http://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2012/04/03/macs-invade-the-enterprise/?mod=e2tw

I wonder if the docking station mentioned in the article is the Thunderbolt display...

 

[belvdr]

There were less than 50 Mac systems at my previous employer of 150k people. My new employer with 5k people has no Mac systems. I'm not sure why the article mentions the Cisco community supporting Macs. There are many items that Cisco doesn't support on the Mac very well, VoIP for one. It took them years to get the softphone ported. I don't think their NAC software works on a Mac either.

There are just too many enterprise items that don't work on a Mac.

 

[malman89]

http://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2012/04/03/macs-invade-the-enterprise/?mod=e2tw

I wonder if the docking station mentioned in the article is the Thunderbolt display...

Doubt it. A grand display to go with a grand computer can't be a cheaper or same cost solution.

So they say 46% of businesses use Macs, but then in the same paragraph say 7% of companies issue Mac computers to users. So that means 46% use iPads and/or iPhones and of that 7% iMacs/MBPs/MBAs? 7%, whoop de doo.

Sorry, I'm still in the camp that a smartphone or tablet can't replace a computer in terms of productive output - for personal use, let alone the workplace.

I'm not surprised at the iPad/iPhone stats. RIM has just been reeling and releasing crummy phones, so people have been more receptive to iPhones. Then iPads are just a solid presentation tool. My former employer had an original iPad (and all Lenovo desktops) just because it was a conference dept of a university and it was handy to have floor spaces, pics, etc. as staff gave campus tours. Willing to bet that something similar is what most iPads in the workplace are used for instead of real work.

 

[chrono1081]

I have noticed this trend myself. I work in IT and every job I've recently applied for wants Mac experience.

Two jobs didn't even mention Windows o_0.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Macs but I make a living fixing Windows desktops and servers and when Macs come in to the picture, work requests plummet and thats not really a good thing :/ I know from first hand experience, the department I used to support and have several tickets for daily hasn't had a single ticket in 6 months after switching from Windows to Mac

That being said it also depends what kind of jobs you target. There is still a lot larger Windows presence in the IT world but companies are getting sick of the "every other release is good" schedule from Microsoft.

Oh, and Windows 8 is really helping people push to Mac :/

 

[smoledman]

I have noticed this trend myself. I work in IT and every job I've recently applied for wants Mac experience.

Two jobs didn't even mention Windows o_0.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Macs but I make a living fixing Windows desktops and servers and when Macs come in to the picture, work requests plummet and thats not really a good thing :/ I know from first hand experience, the department I used to support and have several tickets for daily hasn't had a single ticket in 6 months after switching from Windows to Mac

That being said it also depends what kind of jobs you target. There is still a lot larger Windows presence in the IT world but companies are getting sick of the "every other release is good" schedule from Microsoft.

Oh, and Windows 8 is really helping people push to Mac :/

Dude, your anecdotes do not equal reality.

Monster.com :

C# - 1000+
Objective C - 352

 

[chrono1081]

Dude, your anecdotes do not equal reality.

Monster.com :

C# - 1000+
Objective C - 352

Thats a programming language. I'm talking about IT support. Not to mention Macs work just fine with C++.

Also I stated its a growing trend, not that Macs are more prominent than PC's.

 

[Old Smuggler]

Oh, and Windows 8 is really helping people push to Mac :/

i agree

 

[smoledman]

Oh, and Windows 8 is really helping people push to Mac :/

Nice soundbite, but no evidence.

 

[chrono1081]

Nice soundbite, but no evidence.

I completely disagree. Have you not seen the backlash caused by the release of the beta???

Again, if you worked in IT like I do you'd see this, but its obvious you don't since your first response was comparing C++ (which is a language used on any operating system) to Objective-C even though it had nothing to do with the original post.

Have you used Windows 8? It's purely terrible and its something businesses do not want, and Microsoft apparently isn't listening to user feedback from the first release of the beta since everything is the same on the second release.

 

[MorphingDragon]

Dude, your anecdotes do not equal reality.

Monster.com :

C# - 1000+
Objective C - 352

You can make mac osx apps in C# too.

Programming languages mean nothing.

 

[miles01110]

The only reason "Apple in the Enterprise" gets any attention is because it's something different from the Wintel monopoly. Apple's support options and lifecycle replacement "plans" are laughable compared to those offered by the large Windows box manufacturers, and it's not going to change any time soon. For workstations and laptops Apple is never going to make any inroads. Mobile is a different story.

 

[smoledman]

I completely disagree. Have you not seen the backlash caused by the release of the beta???

Again, if you worked in IT like I do you'd see this, but its obvious you don't since your first response was comparing C++ (which is a language used on any operating system) to Objective-C even though it had nothing to do with the original post.

Have you used Windows 8? It's purely terrible and its something businesses do not want, and Microsoft apparently isn't listening to user feedback from the first release of the beta since everything is the same on the second release.

I cited C# stats. Yes I've tried out the Consumer Preview. It's a little rough around the edges for desktop, but for tablets it's a brilliant interface.

 

[chrono1081]

I cited C# stats. Yes I've tried out the Consumer Preview. It's a little rough around the edges for desktop, but for tablets it's a brilliant interface.

That does say C#, I don't know where I thought it said C++.

That being said though I don't see Windows 8 taking off in business. Our in-house apps have all been halted when it comes to making them Windows 8 compatible after the latest beta showed no change from the first beta as far as usability.

Not one single friend/colleague of mine in IT is at a company either that is supporting Windows 8. A lot of places are sticking with 7 for now with no plans to upgrade to 8 and are looking for alternatives.

Getting rid of the standard start menu was easily the most stupid thing Microsoft has ever done, and I've supported them for years and years through ME and Vista.

 

[smoledman]

That does say C#, I don't know where I thought it said C++.

That being said though I don't see Windows 8 taking off in business. Our in-house apps have all been halted when it comes to making them Windows 8 compatible after the latest beta showed no change from the first beta as far as usability.

Not one single friend/colleague of mine in IT is at a company either that is supporting Windows 8. A lot of places are sticking with 7 for now with no plans to upgrade to 8 and are looking for alternatives.

Getting rid of the standard start menu was easily the most stupid thing Microsoft has ever done, and I've supported them for years and years through ME and Vista.

Most enterprises are already scheduled for upgrade to Windows 7 in the next 18 months. Windows 8 coming out changes nothing. Windows 8 in the first year is mainly for ARM tablets.

 

[R94N]

That being said it also depends what kind of jobs you target. There is still a lot larger Windows presence in the IT world but companies are getting sick of the "every other release is good" schedule from Microsoft.

Oh, and Windows 8 is really helping people push to Mac :/

The thing is though, OS X could also be said to be going to the same way as Windows 8 - more mobile and tablet device orientated.

 

[chrono1081]

The thing is though, OS X could also be said to be going to the same way as Windows 8 - more mobile and tablet device orientated.

Not really. There are only a few features that were brought from iOS to Mountain Lion, and they're good features (like notification center to replace growl). Mac OS itself is virtually unchanged.

Windows 8 on the other hand ditched the start menu, made it much more cumbersome to use, especially opening multiple applications which take you back and forth from the tile screen to the desktop (unless you search for them, but users generally don't do that) and they rendered a ton of features useless unless you sign in with a Windows ID.

 

[smoledman]

Not really. There are only a few features that were brought from iOS to Mountain Lion, and they're good features (like notification center to replace growl). Mac OS itself is virtually unchanged.

Windows 8 on the other hand ditched the start menu, made it much more cumbersome to use, especially opening multiple applications which take you back and forth from the tile screen to the desktop (unless you search for them, but users generally don't do that) and they rendered a ton of features useless unless you sign in with a Windows ID.

#1 - I expect a lot of changes from CP to RTM in the area of desktop usability
#2 - Most enterprises were already planning to upgrade from XP/Vista to 7 anyways
#3 - Windows 8 is already perfect for tablets.

So I fail to see the pressing issue.

 

[chrono1081]

#1 - I expect a lot of changes from CP to RTM in the area of desktop usability
#2 - Most enterprises were already planning to upgrade from XP/Vista to 7 anyways
#3 - Windows 8 is already perfect for tablets.

So I fail to see the pressing issue.

1. You "expect" but Microsoft hasn't given us a single clue about it, leading to lots of speculation that a change isn't happening.

2. Most already have, but what you aren't realizing is Microsoft plans on bringing out a new OS every 2 - 3 years so if they keep with this garbage OS interface companies will be stuck using it.

3. Perfect for tablets but no one really uses Windows tablets. Most places use iPads and Android tablets.

If you actually worked in IT you'd see the pressing issue.

 

[miles01110]

If you actually worked in IT you'd see the pressing issue.

If you actually worked in IT you wouldn't be arguing with us

 

[belvdr]

I have noticed this trend myself. I work in IT and every job I've recently applied for wants Mac experience.

Two jobs didn't even mention Windows o_0.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Macs but I make a living fixing Windows desktops and servers and when Macs come in to the picture, work requests plummet and thats not really a good thing :/ I know from first hand experience, the department I used to support and have several tickets for daily hasn't had a single ticket in 6 months after switching from Windows to Mac

That being said it also depends what kind of jobs you target. There is still a lot larger Windows presence in the IT world but companies are getting sick of the "every other release is good" schedule from Microsoft.

Oh, and Windows 8 is really helping people push to Mac :/

Are the jobs you are searching for related to sysadmin or deskside support? I'm seeing tons of jobs with MS in the picture, namely in the SQL Server arena.

I believe any company deploying Macs will find themselves, sooner or later, in a bind due to the lack of manageability. Testing, deploying, and installing updates, AAA control, etc are some of the missing features. You can't let end user machines just go out into the world helplessly in an enterprise environment.

Let's be honest, OS X Server has not come a long way since at least 10.3. It just seems to be minor updates to the same features. I don't see that changing either with the elimination of the Xserve. There's no really nice rack optimized solution for a Mac server.

 

[chrono1081]

If you actually worked in IT you wouldn't be arguing with us

If either of you knew what you were talking about and worked more than just a desktop support job you'd of already seen the growing trend of Mac and Linux machines. Turn a blind eye if you want, but be prepared if the time ever comes when you start not getting jobs because you don't have Mac or Linux experience.

I think you guys think I'm "anti-windows". I make a living and have made a living for a long time working with Windows servers and desktops. I do know what I am talking about.

 

[roadbloc]

We had some Macs at college, they caused the IT guys hell. They were forever disconnecting from the network, crashing or doing other odd things. Dunno what caused it, but going on a Windows PC at college was actually much better than a Mac.

Probably the way the IT guys were handling them was incorrect or something, but it just shows that you cannot eliminate IT support by just going Mac. OS X isn't some unbreakable OS and in some cases it is more problematic than Windows. Anyone who thinks they can solve IT problems with the word "Mac" is a fool. All computers and OSs have their issues.

 

[chrono1081]

Are the jobs you are searching for related to sysadmin or deskside support? I'm seeing tons of jobs with MS in the picture, namely in the SQL Server arena.

I believe any company deploying Macs will find themselves, sooner or later, in a bind due to the lack of manageability. Testing, deploying, and installing updates, AAA control, etc are some of the missing features. You can't let end user machines just go out into the world helplessly in an enterprise environment.

Let's be honest, OS X Server has not come a long way since at least 10.3. It just seems to be minor updates to the same features. I don't see that changing either with the elimination of the Xserve. There's no really nice rack optimized solution for a Mac server.

The types of jobs I apply for are dealing with configuring and testing systems for high end production workflows. This usually involves lots of testing, script writing, etc for software like Houdini, Maya, Mari, ZBrush, Mudbox, Nuke, Boujou etc.

Its not the only thing I do and I am well aware of Windows role in the workplace, I have an income and have for the past 10 years because of it.

I don't get why everyone is trying to say I'm wrong for seeing more Mac and Linux machines. Its happening. Windows won't be entirely replaced but its very scary when a department switches to Mac and support costs plummet because of it. I know, I'm the only one left from my original team because I'm the only one who knew how to support the Mac and Linux machines. Everyone else was let go because we didn't need 10 people to support the media department anymore.

 

[belvdr]

I don't get why everyone is trying to say I'm wrong for seeing more Mac and Linux machines. Its happening. Windows won't be entirely replaced but its very scary when a department switches to Mac and support costs plummet because of it. I know, I'm the only one left from my original team because I'm the only one who knew how to support the Mac and Linux machines. Everyone else was let go because we didn't need 10 people to support the media department anymore.

I'm not saying you're wrong; I'm saying my anecdotal evidence says different. It's just inconsistent across the board. In more the larger environments, I just don't see it happening. There are iPads, but no Macs. Again, in larger environments, you just can't make the ERP system work on a Mac, mainly due to Apple's Java implementation.

Like I said earlier, these departments and such can deploy Mac systems behind IT's back. However, when problems hit, such as I need to restore this file or my latest upgrade failed (and they will), they could likely be in a world of hurt. This could cost them more than if they just stuck with a supported environment to begin with.

 

[tigres]

Growing trend in Macs in the Enterprise?

Would have love to join the dream team here, but seems insistent on dumbing down their OS with less and less configuration- ala iOSification.

I am actually thinking of giving up my fight running VM fusion, and just installing Windows 7 via bootcamp instead.

Our company runs Exchange 03' (I know, just upgrade), and to run it in IMAP against exchange is a tough pill to continue to swallow; I do use the DavMail gateway work around, but it is not the same experience. The list of my wishes for extending my tweaks and customization necessities seem to be slimmer with each OSX build/release.

IDK, I am not seeing this- or better yet I don't see this living under an enterprise solution in our small "house"/business. iOS devices are absolutely taking on the world and enterprise by storm, but I looked at Lion Server (and SL server)to replace a much needed SBS server, and passed. Lion is dumbed down, and SL won't work with iCloud- the irony.

Love the MBA hardware, will continue to buy their products; however I am seriously thinking of abandoning the OSX platform. What is it, if you can't beat em-

In closing, I really don't want to leave the platform; but thinking back to when I came to OSX- I recall the very same reasons for leaving Windows. Now it appears as window 7 (is all grown up), may allow me to just run Outlook natively, and hell- maybe even iCloud.