Apple and IBM Join Forces to Challenge Microsoft's Dominance in the Personal Computer Industry

Strategic Insights -

The recently announced collaboration between Apple, IBM, and Motorola to develop a hardware blueprint for computers based on the PowerPC microprocessor marks a significant shift in the personal computer industry. This partnership, which aims to create a computing chameleon capable of running multiple operating systems, has the potential to challenge Microsoft's dominance in the market. The new machine will be able to run operating systems like IBM's OS/2, Apple's Mac OS, and versions of Unix from IBM and Sun Microsystems, making it a viable alternative to Microsoft's Windows platform.

Key Takeaways:

  • The joint development of a hardware blueprint for computers based on the PowerPC microprocessor by Apple, IBM, and Motorola aims to create a single computer that can run multiple operating systems, reducing confusion and technical support costs for corporate buyers.
  • The new machine will be able to run operating systems like IBM's OS/2, Apple's Mac OS, and versions of Unix from IBM and Sun Microsystems.
  • The partnership has the potential to challenge Microsoft's dominance in the market, particularly with the release of Windows 95, which will introduce a 32-bit operating system and shift the market from 16-bit to 32-bit computing.
  • IBM's development of a version of the PowerPC microprocessor that incorporates emulation into the chip itself could allow machines using the chip to run Windows applications at speeds close to their native performance on Intel boxes.
  • The installed base of Windows applications ensures that Windows 95 will have strong sales, but it presents the possibility of compatibility problems, making the performance of the new machine crucial.
  • Companies developing or producing PowerPC-based machines include Bull Systems, Canon, FirePower, Hitachi, Power Computing, 3DO, the Taiwan New PC Consortium, and Toshiba, all of which are likely to seek Mac OS licenses when available.

Statistics:

*During the third quarter, Apple's United States shipments of 640,000 Macintosh computers made it the leading personal computer for that period, ahead of Compaq at 600,000 and IBM at 500,000, according to the International Data Corporation.

*Windows 95, which will introduce a 32-bit operating system, is expected to be released next year.

*The installed base of Windows applications is estimated to be significant, with many companies relying on Microsoft's operating system.

Sources:

*

International Data Corporation

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