Apple appears to have learned a lesson from Microsoft, which has long used critical applications -- among them Office -- to drive Windows adoption. Not only does Microsoft develop important Windows desktop software, but in the past it timed application releases to coincide with important changes to the operating system. Apple released Mac OS X -- the most significant upgrade to the operating system since its 1984 introduction -- a year ago this month. But software developers didn't rush applications out the door, as Apple worked the kinks out of Mac OS X. Microsoft released the first major Mac OS X application, Office v. X, in November. Adobe's Photoshop 7 for OS X goes on sale next month. Needham analyst Charles Wolf predicted Apple "would get a huge upgrade on their install base" of Power Macs after Adobe releases Photoshop 7. Apple chose not to wait for developers, introducing some of its own applications, particularly those essential for positioning Mac OS X as a hub for connecting digital cameras and camcorders, creating movies and authoring DVDs. In January, Apple released iPhoto -- its most recent digital application -- for managing, sharing and printing digital photos. Apple also offers iMovie 2, iTunes 2 and iDVD 2. In some ways, Deal sees Remote Desktop as an extension of Apple's existing digital applications, particularly in the classroom. "The value of Apple's new Remote Desktop in the classroom is clear, and will undoubtedly be a key product within Apple's stalwart education segment," he said. "The ability to view and manage students' iBooks or iMacs, especially in large classroom settings, is an essential function of the 'digital-age teacher.'" A program like Remote Desktop could be crucial for capturing existing Unix business customers as well. Mac OS X is built around Unix, which potentially opens up an untapped market for Apple. The company is betting developers, recognising the advantages of a mainstream Unix operating system, will port their applications to Mac OS X. Remote Desktop could also ease Mac OS X's adoption with network administrators unfamiliar with Unix. "I think, currently the "Unix underpinnings" scare a lot of administrators, more from a fear of the unknown than anything else," Whiffen said. "I see nothing but upside to this product; $500 to avoid walking to every OS X Mac? Do you take Visa?" But Carl Witthoft, chief research scientist for a Massachusetts-based company, sees a major shortcoming for some schools and definitely many businesses. Remote Desktop runs in OS X but can be used to manage or access clients running Mac OS 8.1 through 9.2 or OS X 10.1 or later. The software does not support Windows. Witthoft emphasised his comments represent his views and not his company's. "Apple should produce software to allow Windows platforms to be accessible (as clients)," he said. "Schools may have networks which are 100 percent Apple machines, but I can guarantee no corporation will."
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