Independent Co: Panther In A Microsoft World

by , 2:15 PM EST, October 30th, 2003

Apple's new killer cat, Panther, seems to be a hit; reviews that border on raves are popping up all over the place. Here's an article from the Independent, a newspaper from the U.K., titled, Charles Arthur: 'Can Panther fit into a Windows-dominated world?'. The author, Charles Arthur, tells of his brother's efforts to rid neighbors and friends of the MS Blaster virus and uses the story as backdrop to show how a Mac running Panther would be a boon in a Windows domain. Here's an excerpt:

There are two reviews online already: The Independent had the UK exclusive, and after testing it on a number of machines, there's no doubt it's a big improvement on 10.2, or "Jaguar", as its predecessor - released last August - was named. (You can find the reviews at http://news.independent.co.uk/digital.) Suffice to say that it's a worthwhile upgrade. But beyond that, how does Apple, with Panther, fit into a world that is dominated by Windows and Microsoft? The answer: very quietly, but very, very thoroughly.

Here are the pieces of the strategy. Apple has made a lot of noise with the launch of iTunes for Windows. It behaves exactly like iTunes on a Mac. It only works with Apple's iPod music player. And that's a small step towards getting "mindshare" among buyers of computers about what their next machine might be. If iTunes doesn't behave like other Windows applications then there's always the possibility people will prefer it. It's slim, but that's what mindshare is about.

Second is the virus question. Microsoft has been taking out full-page newspaper ads, which say "With all the recent news coverage about malicious computer viruses, it can be confusing to know how to protect your PC". It can be, but it would be a lot better if one didn't have to take the steps that Microsoft advises - turn on the firewall that comes with XP (but which was left off by default); download the giant security patches, so you only have to worry about the next security attack; and get antivirus software. The implication is that viruses are a sort of computing Act of God.

The article is a good read; stop by the Independent and read the full article.

The Mac Observer Spin:

There are two of the many reasons why Panther is getting such good press: First, Panther is being compared to Microsoft's offerings; Windows 2000, Windows XP, and the not-so-soon to be offered Longhorn. In light of the current state of Microsoft's public relations and bad press, a charred stick and a piece of papyrus seems preferable to using Big Redmond's OS offerings.

The second reason for Panther's apparent popularity is its ability to play nicely in a Windows environment; this ability is key to Apple. The Crew at 1 Infinite Loop is not looking to boot Microsoft off the desktop throne, I believe, they are just trying to ensure a decent place in the king's court. Working well with Windows is just a means to survive and prosper. What Apple has done is taken that basic requirement and made it a huge plus.

Anyone looking at desktops now have 2 truth choices to pick from; a PC running Microsoft's OS and apps, and a Mac running Panther and Microsoft's apps. And choice is always a good thing.

Charles Arthur: 'Can Panther fit into a Windows-dominated world?'