For any of you who know the history of Apple versus Microsoft this latest piece of information will represent a significant milestone. For the first time, Apple has beat Microsoft in terms of net worth. When the current numbers were reported on May 27th Apple shares were trading at $244.87, giving it a market capitalization of $223.1 billion. Currently Microsoft shares are trading at $24.79 and the company’s market cap is $217.78 billion. Click Here for more information (nytimes.com)
To those of us who have followed this over the years there were several times that this would have never seemed possible. If you’re not familiar with this bitter rivalry I suggest rent the 1999 movie Pirates of Silicon Valley to get the backstory. Basicly, back in the 70’s Steve Jobs and Microsoft Leader Bill Gates worked together to create the first personal computer (PC). They then parted ways and simultaneously brought their PC’s to the marketplace. Here is a revealing quote by Apple CEO Steve Jobs, back in 1997. “We have to let go of the notion that for Apple to win, Microsoft needs to lose.” Pretty harsh words from the turtle-necked Apple leader. Who would have thought it would have taken almost 13 years from when he made that statement for it to begin to become a reality. Most recently you are probably familiar with the clever “Mac vs. PC” commercials produced by Apple.
It is no secret that Apple’s success has come through several successful initiates beginning with the iPod, the iTunes store. These successes built a consumer base that included a large number of people who had never been exposed to apple products before. The introduction of the iPhone and recently the iPad sealed apple’s dominance on the handheld entertainment and markets.
Here at IT Worx we have been Apple users and “fans” since we could remember. We love the usability and the sleek and simple design on Mac products. That’s not to say that we don’t use and appreciate Microsoft’s vast offering of products as well. In fact, I’m typing this blog post in Microsoft Word. We see the modern marketplace as a place where there room for several diverse products. Blind brand loyalty isn’t necessarily the best policy. The right tool for the right job may (and does) come in several shapes sizes (and brands).
