https://www.channelfutures.com/wp-content/themes/channelfutures_child/assets/images/logo/footer-new-logo.png
  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Back
    • Analytics
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cloud
    • Data Centers
    • Desktop
    • IoT
    • Mobility
    • Networking
    • Open Source
    • RMM/PSA
    • Security
    • Virtualization
    • Voice/Connectivity
  • Strategy
    • Back
    • Best Practices
    • Business Models
    • Channel 101
    • Channel Programs
    • Channel Research
    • Digital Transformation
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Leadership
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Specialty Practices
  • MSSP Insider
    • Back
    • Business of Security
    • Cloud and Edge
    • Endpoint
    • Network
    • People and Careers
    • Training and Policies
  • MSP 501
    • Back
    • 2021 MSP 501 Application
    • 2020 MSP 501 Rankings
    • 2020 Hot 101 Rankings
    • 2020 MSP 501 Report
  • Intelligence
    • Back
    • Our Sponsors
    • From the Industry
    • Content Resources
    • COVID-19 Partner Help
    • Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Reports
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • EMEA
  • Awards
    • Back
    • Excellence in Digital Services
    • 2021 MSP 501
    • Top Gun 51
  • Events
    • Back
    • CP Conference & Expo
    • Channel Partners Evolution
    • Channel Evolution Europe
    • Channel Partners Event Coverage
    • Webinars
  • Channel Mentor
    • Back
    • Channel Market Intelligence
    • Channel Educational Series
Channel Futures
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Back
    • Analytics
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cloud
    • Data Centers
    • Desktop
    • IoT
    • Mobility
    • Networking
    • Open Source
    • RMM/PSA
    • Security
    • Virtualization
    • Voice/Connectivity
  • Strategy
    • Back
    • Best Practices
    • Business Models
    • Channel 101
    • Channel Programs
    • Channel Research
    • Digital Transformation
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Leadership
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Specialty Practices
  • MSSP Insider
    • Back
    • Business of Security
    • Cloud and Edge
    • Endpoint
    • Network
    • People and Careers
    • Training and Policies
  • MSP 501
    • Back
    • 2021 MSP 501 Application
    • 2020 MSP 501 Rankings
    • 2020 Hot 101 Rankings
    • 2020 MSP 501 Report
  • Intelligence
    • Back
    • Our Sponsors
    • From the Industry
    • Content Resources
    • COVID-19 Partner Help
    • Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Reports
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • EMEA
  • Awards
    • Back
    • Excellence in Digital Services
    • 2021 MSP 501
    • Top Gun 51
  • Events
    • Back
    • CP Conference & Expo
    • Channel Partners Evolution
    • Channel Evolution Europe
    • Channel Partners Event Coverage
    • Webinars
  • Channel Mentor
    • Back
    • Channel Market Intelligence
    • Channel Educational Series
    • Newsletter
  • REGISTER
  • MSPs
  • VARs / SIs
  • Digital Service Providers
  • Cloud Service Providers
  • CHANNEL PARTNERS ONLINE
 Channel Futures

Mobility


Dear Mom and Dad: It’s PC Decision Day

  • Written by The VAR Guy 1
  • October 22, 2009
For more than six months, The VAR Guy's parents have asked him one key question: Which PC should we buy? And for more than six months, The VAR Guy has offered the same answer: Wait until October 22 and then go out and make an informed decision involving Windows 7 or Mac OS X. The VAR Guy suspects conversations like this have been happening across the globe.

windows-7-vs-mac-os-xFor more than six months, The VAR Guy’s parents have asked him one key question: Which PC should we buy? And for more than six months, The VAR Guy has offered the same answer: Wait until October 22 and then go out and make an informed decision involving Windows 7 or Mac OS X. The VAR Guy suspects conversations like this have been happening across the globe. Today, the talk is over and the evaluations begin.

Now, for the irony. The more things change the more they stay the same. Apple and Linux have certainly gained some desktop momentum since the Windows Vista debacle. But for the vast majority of users, Windows remains the main game in town. And assuming Windows 7 really fixes five core problems found in Vista, Microsoft should be able to generate impressive sales in North America. (Emerging markets are a different story, especially as low-cost Linux systems pressure Microsoft.)

Still, some market shifts are occurring in North America. Apple’s niche is growing, and quarterly sales jumped 24%. Apparently, consumers like to buy quality products. Who would have thunk it? Heck, even a few Managed Service Providers are building Apple-centric businesses.

Meanwhile, high-tech heavyweights like IBM are weighing in with Linux alternatives — the latest move involves IBM partnering with Canonical on Ubuntu Linux. And small PC makers like System76 and ZaReason are gearing up for the Ubuntu 9.10 launch, expected on October 29. Competition, competition, competition. The VAR Guy is lovin’ it.

Microsoft on Main Street

Sure, The VAR Guy runs Ubuntu, Mac OS X and Windows XP. And he’ll give Windows 7 a try. But this blog entry isn’t focused on The VAR Guy. Instead, it’s written for Mom and Dad, and Main Street USA.

And today, Main Street USA — and the rest of the world — finally get to kick Windows 7’s tires. Windows Vista is dead. Long live customer choice and innovation. Mom and Dad, take a ride to your local retailer and give Windows 7 a look. Then, head over to the Apple Store and hang out at the Genius Bar for a bit. Ask lots of questions. Think about how you actually want to use a computer.

The VAR Guy will be interested to know which system you buy, and why.

Follow The VAR Guy via RSS; Facebook; Identi.ca; Twitter; and via his Newsletter; Webcasts and Resource Center. Plus, check out more channel voices at www.vartweet.com.

Tags: Cloud Service Providers Digital Service Providers MSPs VARs/SIs Mobility

Related


  • CP-Expo-Logo-1050x618 web
    Day 2 at Channel Partners Virtual Complete, with a Packed Day 3 Ahead
    Get some sleep tonight. Our content isn't fading out on Day 3 of Channel Partners Virtual. Here's what to expect.
  • Depiction of a supply chain
    Full-Stack ICT Supply Chain Ownership Becoming a Thing of the Past
    To own or not to own? Supply chain model changes bring new players to the forefront.
  • Data center
    Netrality Data Centers Unveils Expanded Partner Program
    Data centers are an integral component of a hybrid architecture.
  • CP-Expo-Logo-1050x618 web
    Channel Partners Virtual 2021 Is Here — Take Advantage of the Amazing Content
    Some of the industry's most compelling speakers are poised to take the virtual stage at this week's event.

4 comments

  1. Avatar Loraine Antrim October 22, 2009 @ 8:37 pm
    Reply

    Ah, the old MAC vs PC war is heating up on the VarGuy’s blog! Next thing we know, the VGuy will be in one of those trendy Mac/PC commercials (incognito, I assume). But which side will he take? Hmmm. But I digress from the question at hand.

    Main Street is gradually shifting loyalties from PC to the Mac OS platform in record numbers. And Apple’s earnings reflect this. Apple execs on last week’s call used words like “phenomenal” and “spectacular” (words not often heard on staid earning calls). Their global Mac sales were up 17% and US sales up over 11%. The message of simplicity and ease of use still resonates.

    But more interesting is to look not at Main Street, but to enterprises, especially SMEs. More and more are shifting to Mac OS or allowing employees the choice of PC or Mac. Even large organizations like Cisco have avid Mac users (some 8,000 strong). So mom and dad and enterprise users have something in common: shared devotion to simplicity and a computer virtually virus free. Hint to the VarGuy’s portfolio: buy Apple and VMWare! Loraine Antrim

  2. Avatar The VAR Guy October 22, 2009 @ 8:51 pm
    Reply

    Hi Loraine: Thanks for the well-constructed comment. The VAR Guy respects readers who come armed with data points. And yes, our resident blogger noticed Cisco’s corporate IT department now supporting Macs. Impressive, indeed.

  3. Avatar Lawrence D'Oliveiro October 22, 2009 @ 10:40 pm
    Reply

    I’ve got a friend who’s currently in hospital. He has a four-year-old Acer Aspire that came with Windows XP, and he’s not in a financial position to buy a new machine. I entertained him during one visit with the games on my Eee 701 (running Ubuntu Jaunty). He was so taken that he accepted my suggestion to take his PC and put the same system on it (dual-booting with Windows, of course).

    I got that done a couple of nights ago. Everything worked fine, and he even gets some 3D graphics effects now. But I couldn’t get the on-board modem to work (he’s still on dialup Internet). Turns out it’s a Motorola SM56, which is a “winmodem”, so no Linux drivers. Just for fun, I tried searching Microsoft’s “Windows Seven Compatibility Center”, but no mention of it there, either. So Linux is offering him at least as good an upgrade path as Windows.

  4. Avatar The VAR Guy October 22, 2009 @ 10:51 pm
    Reply

    Lawrence: Please tell your good friend to get well soon. -TVG

Leave a comment Cancel reply

-or-

Log in with your Channel Futures account

Alternatively, post a comment by completing the form below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Content

  • 2021 Channel Influencer Awards
  • Juniper Networks Rolls Out Paragon Automation for 5G, Multicloud
  • CEO Benioff Touts Salesforce Customer 360 Work-From-Anywhere Capabilities
  • Cisco Second Quarter: Profit Slips, Revenue Flat

Galleries

View all

From The Second City: How to Use Improv as a Business Tool

March 3, 2021

Industry Perspectives

View all

5 Ways XDR Can Improve Operational Efficiency for MSPs

March 4, 2021

Multi-Cloud: Strategy or Inevitable Outcome? (or both?)

March 3, 2021

Backup Vulnerability: 4 Targets Hackers Might Utilize to Infiltrate Your Backup Solution

March 2, 2021

Webinars

View all

A Partner’s Perspective on Channel Success in 2021

March 23, 2021

XDR and Why it Matters to MSPs

March 24, 2021

Top Security Trends Impacting Technology Security Providers In 2021

March 25, 2021

White Papers

View all

Why Fortinet for my MSSP?

March 2, 2021

Small and Mid-Size Business Security: 4 Steps to Success

March 2, 2021

How SMBs Can Secure Endpoints and Remote Workers for the Long Haul

March 2, 2021

Upcoming Events

View all

Channel Partners Conference & Expo

November 1, 2021 - November 4, 2021

Videos and Fastchats

View all

FASTCHAT: How SOAR Eliminates Security Challenges and Elevates Service Provider Revenues

January 6, 2021

Happy Holidays from Channel Partners & Channel Futures!

December 21, 2020

FASTCHAT: How Old, Unpatched Technologies Are Creating New Security Threats for MSPs and Their Customers

December 3, 2020

Twitter

ChannelFutures

Our latest #Cybersecurity Roundup highlights #CPVirtual, @Huntresslabs, @Entrust_Corp and @InsightEnt.… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

March 5, 2021
ChannelFutures

RT @Channel_Expo: A HUGE thank you to our amazing #CPVirtual sponsors and exhibitors! 👏 @ATTBusiness @DellTech @8x8 @lumentechco @telarus @…

March 5, 2021
ChannelFutures

.@okta acquiring rival @auth0 in $6.5 billion all-stock transaction. #security dlvr.it/Rtzwdp https://t.co/4LvHCJuwsR

March 4, 2021
ChannelFutures

.@MicrosoftTeams features are coming to @MSFTDynamics365, the company announced at @MS_Ignite. #MicrosoftIgnite… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

March 4, 2021
ChannelFutures

.@PreciselyData acquired by Clearlake Capital, @TAAssociates. #digitaltransformation dlvr.it/RtzbKg https://t.co/1rNYnTScxq

March 4, 2021
ChannelFutures

Thanks for attending #CPVirtual. Here's a Day 3 wrap and a look ahead to #CPExpo Homecoming in November!… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

March 4, 2021
ChannelFutures

.@Veeam announces six annual Impact Partner Awards, with @SHI_Intl, @LogicalisUS, more. #cloud… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

March 4, 2021
ChannelFutures

#XDR can improve operational efficiency for #MSPs. @TrendMicro #security #endpoint #AI #threatintelligence… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

March 4, 2021

MSSP Insider

Newsletters and Updates

Sign up for The Channel Report, Channel Futures Update, MSP 501 Newsletter and more.

Live Channel Events

Get the latest information on the next industry-leading Channel Partners event.

Channel Partners Online

Want more? Find more channel news and analysis on our sister site, Channel Partners.

Media Kit And Advertising

Want to reach our audience? Access our media kit

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • Channel Partners Online
  • Channel Partners Events
  • MSP 501
  • MSSP Insider
  • IoT World Today
  • Webhostingtalk

WORKING WITH US

  • Contact
  • About us
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter

FOLLOW Channel Futures ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2021 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.
This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
X