I'm sure the G3 introduction in W'97 forestalled the switch of some companies, the AIO and iMac might stopped some more defections from schools and universities. But others are gone now, how many? many. The majority? I don't know.
The G3, AIO and soon the iMac are not simply stopping the defection to the Wintel platform, they're reversing it. Latest data indicates that Apple is once again gaining market share in both education and the overall computer market. Sure, it's not by a large percentage yet, but it has to start somewhere. I expect that with the intro of the iMac and the problems the Wintel market is currently facing with over supply, this trend will only continue.
The only problem I foresee for Apple is whether they can make iMacs fast enough to satisfy demand. As Apple regains mindshare and confidence, this will snowball into further gains for market share and developer interest.
Perception of Apple and its fortunes has been their biggest problem for several years now. With the media reporting the huge operating losses Apple was suffering, and the covers of many magazines and newspapers touting the same, confidence was lost in Apple as a company. That perception is now changing, and I think the brightest is still ahead for Apple. |
