Macintosh Users Defy Conventional Wisdom with Unconventional Software Choices

Strategic Insights -

In a market where Microsoft dominates the computer software landscape, Macintosh users are bucking the trend by choosing alternative software programs like WordPerfect and 1-2-3. Despite Microsoft's ubiquitous presence, many Mac users are opting for programs that better suit their needs, even if it means being part of a small minority. The phenomenon is particularly evident in the Macintosh realm, where users are gravitating towards WordPerfect for its innovative features and PowerMac-native functionality.

Key Takeaways:

  • Macintosh users are choosing alternative software programs like WordPerfect and 1-2-3, defying Microsoft's dominance in the market.
  • Osler Hoskin & Harcourt, a law firm, chose WordPerfect due to its pedigree and compatibility with the Macintosh platform.
  • WordPerfect version 2.1 is still in use by Osler, but the company plans to upgrade to version 3.0 to facilitate importing information from the company's Oracle data base.
  • Lotus Development Canada Inc. confirms that it has been challenging to persuade Macintosh users to consider its flagship 1-2-3 program, despite its capabilities and competitive pricing.
  • Jeremy Fontana, a market analyst, fell in love with 1-2-3 after seeing a promotional video and appreciating its graphing feature and file compatibility.
  • Scott Inch, a renovation contractor, uses WordPerfect and 1-2-3 on his Macintosh PowerBook 165c, leveraging the programs' macro and graph capabilities to create customized calendars and spreadsheets.
  • Ken Brown, vice-president of operations at Baton Broadcasting Inc., uses both 1-2-3 variants (Mac and Windows) and is impressed with the programs' file compatibility, but disappointed with Lotus's abandonment of the Macintosh platform.

Statistics:

  • 2% of annual 1-2-3 sales on all platforms come from the Macintosh version (Refer to Lotus Development Canada Inc.)
  • 85% of the marketplace is PC-based and uses Windows (according to Ken Brown, vice-president of operations at Baton Broadcasting Inc.)
  • WordPerfect has more than a decade's lineage on other computer platforms (exhibited by Osler Hoskin & Harcourt's experience with the program)
  • WordPerfect has been available for the Macintosh for about four years and has been aggressive in incorporating new Apple technologies.

Sources:

  • John Clement, Senior Manager of Information Services at Osler Hoskin & Harcourt (Toronto)
  • Jeremy Fontana, Market Analyst at Spectrum Medical Market Consultants (Montreal)
  • Scott Inch, Owner of Scott Inch Custom Building (Vinemount, Ont.)
  • Ken Brown, Vice-President of Operations at Baton Broadcasting Inc. (Toronto)
  • Lotus Development Canada Inc.
  • WordPerfect Corporation