14 DAY TRIAL // Since the Vista launch at the end of January, sales in IT have changed in a predictable way: computer sales increased, for PCs (more so with pre-installed Vista) and for Macs as well, but Vista is not selling as expected.
Analysts say the boost in PC sales is expected to have a negative effect on the Mac market share in the March quarter. This effect, however, will be temporary, says senior analyst Gene Munster. He expects the Mac market share to decline from 2.5 percent in December to 2.3 percent in March. Still, their shares will go right back up with the announced launch of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, this spring.
Furthermore, the launching of the Vista OS will probably do good for Mac sales. The need for system upgrades brings computer users in the shops. And Apple is well prepared for that, as news last week said. Apple sales representatives were taught to win customers over; they were given a six-page document instructing them to explain to customers Vista's downsides and advise them to buy Macs even if they choose to install Vista, since now you can run Windows on Macs as well.
In addition to that, Apple's aggressive TV ad campaign was made not necessarily to promote Macs, but rather to dismiss the PC and Vista. Why bother with extensive and expensive upgrades, difficult installation and annoying security features when you can have a Mac? Registered iPod owners were sent emails, Apple advising them to "Think Mac".
This spring Apple's latest operating system, Leopard, will be brought to light. It's said to take user-experience beyond Vista and, judging by the announced features, it will be another great success for Apple.
Looks like Apple is determined not to lose this time. Economically speaking, 2007 is likely to bring Apple lots of money. Even if the Vista launch will probably mean a drop in Mac shares, it will be a short term one. The company knows how to speculate the "Vista opportunity" and Jobs will probably end this year smiling.