“When it comes to IT investments by businesses large and small, it’s all about the numbers,” David Shipley writes for The New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. “There are other numbers beyond the sticker price business executives need to think about, particularly when making decisions about the next upgrade cycle. Known as total cost of ownership, such approach often leads companies to realize that higher-end computers offering more benefits than low-end machines because of increased worker productivity and longer lifespan.”
“Data theft, machine downtime, equipment repair, expensive scams and lost productivity are all things business leaders need to take into account when looking at computers and software. According to IT security firm Sophos Inc., there were 114,000 known viruses for the Windows platform in 2005, with a 44 per cent increase in malicious software. One in 44 e-mails in 2005 contained a virus.That’s reason to give any business pause. While companies are spending billions on anti-virus, spyware and anti-spam software, the onslaught from viruses continues to evolve with reports of organized crime now branching out online through theft of corporate secrets, blackmail and other scams” Shipley writes.
“Then there’s the Mac, which is virtually virus-free… While a few hackers have put out simple proof of concept viruses, there have been no widespread virus attacks on the Mac in the last five years. Apple’s Macs aren’t invulnerable, but the threats they face are the IT equivalent of a mild cold compared to the plethora of digital Ebola viruses infecting Windows,” Shipley writes. “Some argue that the Mac is immune from viruses because of its relative obscurity. Others argue its underlying take on computer security makes its more robust than Windows. Whatever the reason, it’s time for business people to stop thinking about Macs as a tool for the “graphics people.” It might just be time to move beyond total cost of ownership and to look at a new business term – competitive advantage. The good news for businesses looking at ditching Windows for Mac OS X is Apple’s latest generation of computers are competitively priced with similar offerings from other PC makers such as Dell or HP.”
“In March, Apple announced a new beta software program called Boot Camp that allowed users to install Windows XP alongside Mac OS X. This will enable users to continue to access Windows-only program while enjoying the security and features of Mac OS X. The only concern of course is that Macs running Windows are just as vulnerable to the same viruses that plague other PCs. The ability to boot between different operating systems is expected to be included in Apple’s next revision of OS X due in 2007,” Shipley writes. “Computers are a vital part of your operation whether you’re running a 10 person shop or a 1,000 person enterprise. But like any other business tool, they should just work. Sadly, in many cases, they don’t and cause businesses untold headaches. But perhaps an Apple or two can keep the more than 100,000 headaches away – or at least down to a far more manageable level.”
Full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Wolf” for the heads up.]
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Related articles:
Pfeiffer Consulting: Mac vs Windows: Total Cost of Ownership, Productivity and Return on Investment – March 30, 2006
Apple Macintosh simply does more and costs less than Windows PCs – February 14, 2006
FBI: Viruses, spyware, other computer-related crimes cost U.S. businesses $67.2 billion per year – February 01, 2006
Windows to Mac switchers: recommendations and Total Cost of Ownership analysis – September 29, 2005
Apple Macs are less expensive than Dell PCs – April 24, 2005
Apple Macs are far easier, cost less to manage than Windows boxes – March 02, 2005
Novell CEO: ‘Microsoft sucked $60 billion out of IT industry that could have used for innovation’ – September 13, 2004
Switching from Windows to Mac OS X costs less than you think – August 18, 2004
Windows worms and viruses cost companies average of $2 million per incident – July 08, 2004
NOTE TO GrapeGraphics – (first post)
Your IT department knows full well what they are doing – creating job scurity by buying lame HW, and spending the rest on SW and security implementation they must monitor, update and constantly fix – along with that lame HW as well.
They have built-in job security as it were. Since management feels they are not tech guys, they feel powerless to judge the decisions and let them continue the game.
What many IT guys really are is a bunch of eBay addicts. They are obsessed with finding lowest priced HW, no matter what the true costs.
This is the sign of lazy IT. The true worth of IT professionals is when they are looking at deeper issues of productivity, interoperability, security and how to solve an array of workflow issues. Alas, this takes a person willing to work smart – and hard – which does not come free and flowing from a horde of MCSE drones…
Then again the new low-volatage Core Duo is soon to hit the streets, and along with it, a new business laptop from Apple – MacBook thin! Sweet.
Welcome, Mr. Shipley. We have an “interesting” bunch here.
“But like any other business tool, they should just work.”
Exactly why I have seven Macs, some just for fun or treasure, but most because they just work. I’ve used Windows. I always have to take a long, hot shower afterwards and then seek out the more familiar start-up chime just to feel normal again.