Apple today launched a shot across Microsoft’s bow with Boot Camp, the beta version of its solution to let Mac users boot Windows on their Macintels. While at first I thought I could see Steve Ballmer throwing a chair across the room at the news, I realized that with Apple’s semi-cozy relationship with Microsoft, this news isn’t likely to be a surprise to any of the major players. (There have been rumors in the past of a tacit OS agreement between the two companies) As Apple continues to regain market share against PCs, I doubt they want to risk an all-out war with Windows.
But why should there be a conflict anyway? Microsoft ships more units of XP and, at some unforeseen date, Vista. Apple picks up new customers who would love to move a Mac but can’t leave Windows behind for various reasons. It seems like a win-win situation for all.
Apple’s move also answers those who continue to ask why anyone would want Windows on their Mac. Why? Because it’s possible. Because, for the corporate environment, it makes business sense. And because now it’s simple.
But there are larger implications for the announcement of Boot Camp. The largest is that it marks Apple’s first true strategic use of the switch to Intel. EFI was a smart move and the speed benefits are obviously nice, but the ability to dual boot Windows (and - likely - use it within OS X in Leopard via virtualization) is probably the trump card Apple was waiting to use. If they can get PC users to buy a Mac to use both operating systems, they’re betting that eventually those “switchers” will rely solely on OS X. But even if they don’t, another Mac has been sold.
Should Microsoft be concerned? Maybe. But in the mean time, I have the feeling it’ll be a lot more acceptable to be toting a MacBook Pro around Redmond.
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