Apple Computer, in a move to reach out to a broader market, unveiled software on Wednesday that enables its Mac computers with Intel processors to run rival Microsoft’s Windows XP operating system.
Apple said that its software, called Boot Camp, was available for download starting on Wednesday, and that the application will be a feature in Leopard, the company’s next major release of the Mac operating system.
The move marks another shift for Apple to reach a broader group of computer users, the vast majority of whom use the Microsoft operating system.
Though Apple still sees itself as a major rival to Microsoft, it has made concessions to Windows users such as allowing them to use its popular iPod music players and iTunes music store. Windows is used on more than 90% of personal computers.
Apple first announced plans to begin using Intel processors in its Mac computers in June and the products began shipping in mid-January.
The company said the Boot Came software is a preview version licensed for use on a trial basis. Apple also said it will not provide support for installing or running Boot Camp and noted it does not sell or support Windows software.
”Apple has no desire or plan to sell or support Windows, but many customers have expressed their interest to run Windows on Apple’s superior hardware now that we use Intel processors,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice-president of worldwide product marketing.
”We think Boot Camp makes the Mac even more appealing to Windows users considering making the switch.”
Apple shares surged 9,8% on the news to close at $67,21.
Some analysts say making its new Intel-based Macs compatible with Microsoft’s software could help Apple expand its single-digit share of the PC market.
”This is another step in Apple’s efforts to expand its total addressable market to include a more mainstream audience,” according to a note written by Goldman Sachs analyst Rick Sherlund, who rates Apple shares ”attractive”.
Apple’s PC sales are growing faster than the market overall, thanks in part to the iPods, which are bringing consumers into Apple’s retail stores.
The potential for Apple to boost market share through what the company calls ”switchers” — people who move from a Windows-based PC to a Mac — has some analysts viewing Apple’s move as one of its most important business steps since the launch of the first iPod in 2001.
”A key reason why Apple hasn’t gotten more ‘switchers’ is likely due to a lack of strong Windows compatibility,” said Shaw Wu, of American Technology Research. ”We believe this is a big deal and potentially could be a significant game changer.”
Joe Wilcox, analyst at Jupiter Research, said the move could provide an incentive to purchase the Macintosh by allowing users access to a broader variety of Windows software.
”Apple has removed another barrier to switching,” he said. But he noted that the cost of Mac is already higher and that users will have to buy the Windows software as well.
”Consumers would pay a premium, as much as $200 for Windows XP Home, as installation would require full version, not the upgrade,” Wilcox said.
”So cost would remain a barrier to switching for some folks. A $1 299 iMac would look more like $1 500 when adding the cost of Windows XP Home.”
Apple’s share of the worldwide PC market has tumbled from 4,6% in 1996, the year before chief executive Steve Jobs returned, to just 2,2% in 2005, according to market research surveys. – Sapa-AFP