(6-Apr-11) After years as a bit player in the business computer market, Apple Inc.’s success with consumer products – particularly its iPhone and iPad tablet – is pushing the Cupertino, Calif., company’s Macintosh computer line through more businesses’ doors.
But it’s a slow process, thanks to lingering compatibility concerns, Apple’s secretiveness and insistence on doing things its own way – and, ironically, the very ease of use loyal Mac customers rave about.
According to research firm International Data Corp. (Canada) Ltd. in Toronto, Apple has gained market share in personal computers for several years. In 2005, the Mac accounted for 4.2 per cent of Canadian PC sales, IDC Canada reports, while its share of commercial PC sales was 5 per cent. Both numbers have risen since then – consumer sales slightly faster. Last year, IDC found Apple had 9.7 per cent of overall Canadian PC sales and 8.2 per cent of commercial sales.