What is the possibility that IBM would enter MacOS platform market? It is
about the right time now, because:
(1) The next new version of Window-95, and Window-NT will not be
available until probably next year, therefore, WinTel sales will
be slower than anticipated and IBM has spare time and money to
contribute to other competitor, MacOS, which has the fastest chip
and more mature OS.
(2) IBM could not see Mac clones had pretty good sales and still no action
since IBM has most available source to enter MacOS market.
(3) IBM pays close attention to Apple's financial situation after a layoff
and restructuring in Apple since IBM and Motorola spent billions of dollars
on PowerPC chips development. They want to have a good return from
such investments.
(4) IBM might believe that after its involvment in MacOS community, the
confidence could go up as well as Mac sales. IBM believe Apple is
lean, mean and profitable now, and currently develops newest OS which
could run on various platforms. If IBM can join the community, it might
make Apple delay its plan to port new OS to PowerPC's competitor - WinTel.
(5) IBM has been long for the Mac's PowerBook market since it is profitable
and Apple's problems in production of such product. Same as Mac's laptop.
The above is just IHMO. |
