News Analysis: Apple's Mac OS X is poised to welcome the Mac App Store. And although some debate rages over whether or not it will be a success, it's hard to see why it wouldn't be.
In the next 90 days, Apple is planning to offer the Mac App
Store, the desktop version of the company's mobile marketplace on the iPhone,
iPod Touch, and iPad. The idea, according to Apple CEO
Steve Jobs, is to bring the same level of productivity and usability to the Mac
that consumers are currently enjoying on the company's mobile products. It's an
interesting idea.
But debate is currently raging over whether or not the Mac App
Store will be a success. Those who are against the idea say that consumers will
want full functionality-something, they say, can't be done with Apple's
marketplace. Plus, they say, it makes more sense on an iPad or an iPhone, not
on a desktop.
However, that argument is somewhat short-sighted. Apple's idea
is a good one. As long as it's implemented in the same way as its mobile App
Store, there is no reason why it won't be as big of a hit on a MacBook Pro as
it is on the iPhone 4.
Apple's Mac App Store is destined to be a winner.
Here's why.
1. Strength in numbers
It's hard to bet against an app store that allows developers
to quickly and efficiently create as many programs as they want with little to
no risk. That has been proven time and again in Apple's current App Store,
which has more than 300,000 applications available to people looking for just
about anything. If Apple enjoys similar success with the Mac-based version of
its store, the consumer experience of using Mac OS X will only improve, which
would then translate to more success for Apple and developers.
2. It's what Apple has needed
With the
help of a Mac App Store,
Apple will be able to quickly catch up to the software lead Microsoft is
enjoying with its Windows platform. Granted, Apple's apps will likely be
underpowered compared with those running natively on the desktop, but who
cares? In an increasing number of cases, powerful desktop applications are
becoming less necessary.
3. The enterprise will come around
The corporate world has some trouble with Mac OS X. The
operating system lacks compatibility with mission-critical applications, which
makes it a less viable choice for many companies. However, the Mac App Store
could change all that. If business developers see promise in it, they might
create worthwhile programs for Mac users-and, in the process, more companies
might warm up to Apple's operating system.
4. Consumers already respond well
Apple's App Store caters to consumers. Plus, many of those
people that buy apps from their iPhone are running Windows at home. If they see
value in accessing another app store from the desktop, they might just opt for
Macs in the future because of their desire to keep using those simple programs.
That could be good for Apple.
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