At the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, Apple plans to talk about Mac OS X 10.7 “Lion,” the follow-up to Mac OS X “Snow Leopard.” So far, Apple has said that the operating system will launch over the summer and deliver some improvements, including a new Mission Control feature, to consumers. It looks to be another sizable (but not major) update to the venerable operating system. However, all this talk of a new version of Mac OS X loses track of the Apple's growing ranks of business users. As with previous versions of the operating system, Apple is committed to appealing to consumers. If business customers decide to adopt Mac OS X, it’s a welcome sale for Apple, but it’s certainly not its goal. That’s unfortunate. Apple’s computers are outstanding options for enterprise users around the world. Their only major drawback is the operating system running on them. If Apple could find a way to make Mac OS X Lion more appealing to enterprise customers, it could do wonders for its operation. Here's what Apple should do to make Mac OS X Lion a better business competitor against Windows.
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1. Better Computer PricingMac OS X is only available on Macs. That means Apple’s computers play a big role in the appeal of its operating system. Apple needs to think seriously about reducing the price of its computers to a level that puts them close to the same price as those from HP or Dell. It might be a longshot, but it could help Apple appeal more to corporate customers.
2. A Change of Pace From AppleApple must take the stage at the Worldwide Developers Conference and make it clear that it wants to appeal more to corporate customers. Since its inception, Apple has been focused on consumers. Maybe it’s time to start thinking more seriously about enterprise users and making that known to the marketplace.
3. An Enterprise-Focused VersionAlthough it’s often panned for doing so, Microsoft has been successful releasing versions of its operating systems for both home users and enterprise customers. Mac OS X Lion would be a far better enterprise competitor if Apple followed suit. The version for consumers could have all the features they care about, like the company’s iLife suite, while the enterprise version could double down on security, built-in productivity elements, and other key features.
4. More Emphasis On Business Apps In the Mac App StoreThe Mac App Store has proven to be one of the most important additions to Mac OS X in a long time. Considering Lion will ship with access to the Mac App Store, Apple should be working diligently to work with developers to bring more enterprise-friendly apps to the marketplace. There are some nice utilities in there now, but the more useful programs it can bring to its store, the better for enterprise customers.
5. Start Playing Nice With DevelopersOver the years, Apple hasn’t been so willing to play nice with developers. And in the process, developers gave gone to Windows to offer their applications. In order for Mac OS X Lion to appeal more to enterprise customers, Apple should continue to rebuild its relationship with developers and coax them into porting their enterprise applications to its new OS.
6. Double Down On Security TalkIf nothing else, Mac OS X offers a greater security opportunity than Windows. Debate rages over why that might be. Some say that it’s simply because fewer people are using Mac OS X, and malicious hackers don’t see as much revenue potential there. Others say it’s because of the better security features built into Mac OS X. In either case, if Apple wants to attract enterprise customers, it should talk quite a bit about Mac OS X Lion’s security.
7. Change PerceptionsWhen enterprise customers think of Mac OS X Lion, they often consider it a tool for Web developers and other “creative” companies that need what Apple offers. Apple should do everything it can to change that mentality. Mac OS X Lion can appeal to every company if the right strategy is in place. And a key component in that strategy is changing the perception of its operating system.
8. Think More About IT NeedsApple is always thinking about the consumer, but when will it start to consider what the IT manager is after? For one, they want more control over the operating system. They also want to have resources available to them that would aid them in solving issues with Mac OS X. Apple is notoriously secretive and unwilling to relinquish outright control over its software. IT staff members don’t appreciate that.
9. Secure the Link Between iOS and Mac OS X LionThough Mac OS X isn’t the most appealing operating system in the enterprise, iOS is starting to grow on IT managers. And the chances of companies adopting iPads in the coming years are growing each day. Apple should consider capitalizing on that by firming up the link between iOS and Mac OS X Lion. It’s a move that Microsoft perfected with its mobile and desktop operating systems. Now it’s Apple’s turn.
10. Use Virtualization to Its AdvantageThere are a few solutions in the wild that allows a user to run Windows in a virtual environment on Mac OS X, including Parallels and VMWare Fusion. Maybe Apple should consider offering the same kind of functionality in Mac OS X Lion. After all, some Windows 7 versions allow users to run Windows XP in a virtual environment, and that has caught on. Plus, Apple is already halfway there with its Boot Camp service. Going all the way with a virtual option might be just what enterprise customers need.
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