Hi, I'm a Mac, and I'm Your Enterprise Computer

Esther Schindler writes "Not just another 'why big companies should adopt Macs' article, CIO is running a piece assuming that Macs are already on the way in the door. Hi, I'm a Mac, and I'm Your Enterprise Computer offers advice to IT managers about how to integrate Apple systems into the existing IT infrastructure, and offers hints from leading Mac OS X experts on configuring those systems once they've arrived. '[A] key element in corporate Macintosh adoption is the importance of third-party software and custom solutions. They can help smooth the way for integrating Macs onto the network. While specialists say they wish third-party support were greater, the openness of the Mac makes correcting issues possible. Don't discount the lure of the well-worn path that draws and then traps your IT staff into familiar habits.'"

Comments

If Macs Are For The Enterprise ...

[WrongSizeGlass]

... then what kind of computer are they using on the Klingon ships?

... then what kind of computer should I use at home?

... then can I use my iPod as a PDA?

Re:If Macs Are For The Enterprise ...

[Quiet_Desperation]

... then what kind of computer are they using on the Klingon ships?

Clusters of old ZX Spectrums.

... then what kind of computer should I use at home?

A Meccano difference engine.

... then can I use my iPod as a PDA?

If all your contacts happen to be famous musicians, yes.

Re:Enterprise Central Management

[0racle]

Ya, if only they had a Remote Desktop application, or something that could push settings the same sort of way that the Active Directory does.

Even ssh would be a start.

Why doesn't Apple make these tools available?

Re:Odd...

[noewun]

If your average corporate user is like a drunk teenager with a loaded pistol, your average campus user is like a tantrum-throwing toddler with a bazooka.

Re:Higher TCO?

[WrongSizeGlass]

The time to fix a Windows problem was usually quicker though. With all that practice I certainly would hope so. ;-)

Re:Higher TCO?

[Red Flayer]

The article goes on to say that some of that may be because these particular Mac users whine a lot and need more help (my words), but also "... due to the nature of the tools we use on the Mac."

I think you meant to say "... due to the nature of the tools who use a Mac"

I keed, I keed.

Re:Apple Remote Desktop, VNC

[Chosen Reject]

Perhaps I'm biased, but if there were 9,500 Hondas and one Ford, it is quite more likely that the Ford will break down first.

Re:Higher TCO?

[Mattintosh]

"Error 3" popping up when a program crashes usually /is not/ helpful.

There are two ways to correct this.

1) Find the APPL file (the executible APPLication) and open its Get Info box. Find the Memory section and double the number.
2) Wipe the HD and install a version of the Mac OS from this millenium.

I recommend the latter.

Re:Enterprise Central Management

[UnknowingFool]

No i didn't RTFA, . . .

Didn't read the article: Check

but one of my biggest concerns has always been remote central management in the enterprise structure.

Makes a blanket, factually correct statement: Check

IT can't always make "house calls" to each and every computer . . .

Makes a righteous, indignant statement: Check

there has to be ways of remotely accessing, configuring and maintaining the systems and I haven't seen much that supports OSX.

Introduces personal, anecdotal views as fact: Check

Even with Linux there are tools that allow you to do that, and most all central configuration tools are Windows based.

Brings up a meaningless comparison: Check

That is going to be a big hurdle to adoption from an IT standpoint.

Closes with a blanket assertion without any facts: Check

Congratulations, you are on your way to becoming a real slashdotter. You must not be new here! :P

Re:The end of Microsoft's Golden Age...

[Sponge Bath]

... 1985-2005 as a "Golden Age" for Microsoft

They *did* piss on many their customers during this period.

{first 6 lines of post go here}

[TinBromide]

Well, {obligatory statement about my computer background and/or preference}, but i {explanation of what is used at home and in office}.

With that said, {obligatory statement to stave off mac cult mods}, but really {please don't hurt me}.

In my experience,{statement involving one of the following: tech-staff experience, home experience, or work environment}.

Although, {subtle jab at microsoft indicating preference for neither windows nor mac}

{statement that anything to jab at big guys is good}

But really, my take on this? Businesses will use what businesses will buy. Sometimes you keep using a law firm because it works, and as long as they don't cause mistrials or fail due-dilligence, they stay on retainer. Until windows fails miserably, businesses will continue to use what they've used. The small, independent companies are the ones that get all the mac-related press.

{begins waiting for examples of "big" companies that use macs in numbers greater than 90%}

Re:{first 6 lines of post go here}

[e4g4]

{begins waiting for examples of "big" companies that use macs in numbers greater than 90%} How about Apple?

Re:Enterprise Central Management

[Goaway]

ssh? a commandline on a Mac??? Say it isn't so.

Man, welcome to THE YEAR 2000 already.

Re:Here's the scoop

[Anonymous Coward]

And no one laughs

Re:Here's the scoop

[Gilmoure]

Een Suviet Roosha, JOKE GET YOU!

Re:Enterprise Central Management

[Anonymous Coward]

I stopped reading after that. The entire article was this bad.

How do you know?

Re:Good.

[Ash-Fox]

Now, for you non-Americans out there... what are you doing to topple Microsoft/Apple? ;)

See European Union.