Writing for The News & Observer , Paul Gilster has an interesting perspective on Apple’s recent spate of innovation. He said that Microsoft can be thanked for “quickening Apple’s pulse.” Gilster’s observations come in a new article entitled Apple bounces back.
Windows users, Gilster contended, are looking for alternatives in light of concerns about security and other issues related to Microsoft’s focus on developing fee-based Web services. While Linux is making a strong showing in the server market, where things like user experience aren’t necessarily important, Apple has managed to take a “bulletproof” UNIX core and wrap an intuitive user interface around it. He also lauded Apple’s efforts to promote standards like OpenGL and PDF.
While Gilster doesn’t see Microsoft losing market dominance any time soon, he suggested that “doubling its current market share is a realistic goal for Apple.” The opportunity comes in wooing Windows users who are already put off by security concerns with cornerstone Windows apps like Outlook Express and Internet Explorer, he said.
“What counts now is making a machine that’s secure on the Net, a reliable PC that offers everyday applications in an intuitive environment. As the industry matures, OS X is a contender,” said Gilster.