More businesses switching to Apple: report

While PC and Windows-based computers are the norm for businesses, the results of a new study suggest the status quo might be changing.

Data from a new Forrester Research report finds many more businesses are using Apple products – from Macs to iPhones – than before.

They surveyed 10,000 “information workers” – employees that use computers for more than an hour a day – in 17 countries. Those information workers also include 3,350 “IT hardware decision-makers” in Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

The results? About 21 per cent are currently using some sort of Apple product. Breaking it down specifically, iPhones are the most popular device with about 11 per cent of workers using one. Apple’s popular tablet, the iPad, is close behind with 9 per cent and a Mac computer checks in with 8 per cent use.

The report also found twice as many companies are rolling out Apple tech toys. Even GE, for example, now let’s its staff pick between a Mac computer or a Windows computer, according to the Wall Street Journal.

But let’s go back to the biggest Apple product to find its way into the businesses environment – iPhones.

Waterloo, Ont.’s BlackBerry has always been the de-facto company smart phone. But last year’s crippling outage and archaic phones have turned many users off RIM.

Also, the iPhone and Android phones are more fun. As more employees pick up a “fun” phone and lug around a company BlackBerry, they’re only too happy to ditch the keyboard-laden phone for a single iPhone if given the option from work.

Are you starting to see more Apple products in the workplace?

- Maurice Cacho, MSN Tech & Gadgets

Posted at 10:10 PM in Android, Apple, Web/Tech, Windows | Permalink