I am cognizant of the prevalence of Windows-based networks
and operating system, but what about the 8 million folks using
personally or connected to Apple computers/networks? The
reason I write this is that as IT folks, we have a responsibility to
at least INFORM the client of the advantages of the OS X
network. How can you improve on perfection? That is the real
question facing Mac Security consultants. The system has a
perfect record. Viruses? Trojans?
I do Mac networking consulting for a living and I try to explain to
companies that they don’t need a security team anymore. Also,
workers using the OS X Jaguar and Panther servers via
workstations are statistically much more productive than their
Windows counterparts.
So, not only does a company save money by saving staff, but it
also saves in purchasing. The ugly myth that Macs are more
expensive and slower than PCs has been shattered. A study
completed in December determined that feature for feature,
Macs are significantly less expensive for personal computers
AND their X-Serve Servers are so much cheaper than the
competition that it is embarassing. We are talking like 60 to 75
percent cheaper! Just ask Virginia Tech, who was wooed by Dell
and Apple for their 1100 computer Super Computer. Within a
week, VT had settled on Apple because their price was much
cheaper at regular price than Dell’s were WITH their best
quantity difference.
I think we have a responsibility to our employers/clients to
inform them of these facts. Also, why would ANYONE choose an
operating system that comes with all its port OPEN? The inertia/
momentum generated by Microsoft, paired with the greed of Bill
Gates has combined to create a dangerously bloated, unstable,
unsecure, and expensive system. Mac overhauls and updates OS
X about once per year but the next OS isn’t coming from
Microsoft until 2006. Even the improvements planned for XP
aren’t hitting the market until 2005. I can’t, in good conscience,
pass on bad technology to my clients unless they make an
informed decision.
Anyone have any thoughts? Please don’t respond with
unsupported opinions. I supported my writing with actual facts,
so let’s have a constuctive discussion!
Jeff
