By Tim Yarbrough
MacDoor Editor
zxmac8384@yahoo.com
"Today, in a time when people are looking for easy access to technology, Apple can lead out with devices that provide this accessibility to the masses. By doing so it can accomplish something in computers that companies like Sony have been able to do with electronics such as the Walkman. While this opportunity certainly is within reach of Apple, I am not convinced it is ready to take on this role. While Apple is without a doubt one of the most innovative computers companies ever, Apple is not the risk taker it once was. I recognize that Apple has had to become more like other PC companies in order to survive."
Above is from the my column, "It’s Time for Apple to Innovate Again" written for The Macintosh User in January 2001. It appears Apple has decided it will innovate rather than fade into computer obscurity. What’s interesting is how it may "innovate" in the future.
Apple is getting serious. By all appearances, Apple’s "iApp" strategy will move way beyond the home and education user into, dare I say, the enterprise market? Consider these recent events:
- Apple introduces 17-inch "iMac for education" in the form of the affordable eMac. Apple is once again "attacking" the education market.
- Apple announces "Jaguar" OS X. Among other things, Jaguar features iChat, which accesses AOL's instant messaging servers: see "Apple’s New Gig: Smooth Interoperator" http://www.business2.com/articles/web/0,1653,40592,00.html; and Rendezvous, a technology that allows users to search out IP Networks and to share network "aware" devices; as well as other cool network stuff.
- Apple’s integration of Microsoft technologies with the apparent strategy to "embrace and extend" (see "Could Apple be Stealing a Page from Microsoft’s Playbook?") http://www.mymac.com/mccormick/5.15.02.shtml.
All noteworthy stuff indeed, especially that about Microsoft. Actually, it would be a funny turn of events if Apple really did pursue the "embrace and extend" strategy. It would be hard for Microsoft to stop Apple from "cherry picking" its technologies … but I’m sure it would try. It would be harder for MS to pursue such a policy considering the Federal antitrust lawsuit that continues to dog it … in addition to the fact that Apple hardware is based more and more on industry standards and the UNIX operating system.
Apple is certainly capable of delivering all types of devices based on its technology and the technology of others. The key is the strategy it decides to pursue. As Jason Brooks of eWeek points to in the article, "Bluetooth will Provide Strong Spokes for Apple’s Digital Wheel" http://www.eweek.com/article/0,3658,s=1870&a=26999,00.asp.
It appears Apple is planning to embrace a wireless and integrated device strategy that once again could move it ahead of the computer pack. Bluetooth, as you probably already know, is a wireless technology that links mobile computers, mobile phones, portable handheld devices, and theInternet. For more about Bluetooth, check out the web site www.bluetooth.com.
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Alsop Gets Real
The more I read Stewart Alsop’s columns on technology in Fortune, the more I like him. Not only is he giving the new iMac an extended test drive (and liking it), his latest On Infotech column "XP Means Extra Pain" in the April 29 print edition hits at the core of what has become Microsoft’s legacy:
"I agree with the reviewers. There’s nothing in Windows XP to cause anyone to go out of his way to get it. In fact, I wonder why such an amazing giant of technology as Microsoft — which argues vociferously for its right to integrate new technology into its operating system — can’t do better than this."
Alsop continues to break down why XP doesn’t deliver on its promises: XP isn’t all that new or stable; MS is the same old company; and XP is not easier to use.
It will be noted that in the same column he also states, "As many readers know, I’ve been using the Macintosh more and more at home. Apple recently upgraded its operating system to what’s known as OS X. That is based on Unix. You don’t have to restart your computer all the time. Managing programs and data is even easier than before. Of course, Apple is still the same old company too. But I’m beginning to think that Apple might actually be able to use such advantages to compete effectively."
Great column, Stewart. We’ll continue to walk with you as you seek enlightenment.