Changing the Way People Buy Desktop Software
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5. Developers will love it
It's hard to see why developers wouldn't jump at the chance
to build programs for the Mac App Store. As noted, the mobile version of the
store has been wildly successful, and there is no reason to believe the Mac
option won't be just as successful. Realizing that, developers will likely
start building programs for the store in droves. When that happens, Apple and
its customers will only benefit.
6. Uniqueness makes Apple so successful
There is something to be said about how unique Apple is. The
company has generated billions of dollars in revenue because of its ability to
look beyond what companies are currently doing and deliver something better. It
has done the same with the Mac App Store. And considering how successful it has
been at generating profits from that uniqueness in the past, it's hard to see
why that won't continue in the future.
7. It's a complement to other things
Some say that the Mac App Store will cause Apple and its desktop developers
to lose sight of the functionality consumers want. After all, they say, major
programs, such as iTunes, wouldn't be all that viable coming from the App
Store. But, in reality, Apple's marketplace will complement all the other
services the operating system provides. It's simply a way to get more value out
of the OS. No more, no less.
8. Cheap reigns supreme
Perhaps the best part about Apple's Mac App Store is the
ability to get programs for little or no fee. According to Apple, it will
follow a similar strategy with the Mac App Store as it does with its mobile
marketplace. In other words, folks will be able to get their hands on free
programs, as well as those that retail for around $1, $2, or $3. With such a
low price point, it probably won't be hard for Apple to coax consumers to use
its marketplace.
9. The experience is much different
The experience of using an application on Mac OS X-as opposed
to using programs that are designed for the operating system-will be much
different. But that's a good thing for Apple, developers, and consumers. It
provides folks with an experience that offers full-screen capabilities, the
ability to pick up where they left off, and much more. It's an experience that
hasn't been fully tried on the desktop, and those are factors that most
consumers will like.
10. The idea is a new kind of old
Some have noted that Apple has tried a Mac App Store-like experience before
with Mac OS X's Dashboard. But the Dashboard lacked the full strategy that the
App Store boasts. Plus, the Dashboard wasn't used as an additional platform
within the operating system. That's an important distinction because it's one
that will likely mean the difference between success for the App Store and the
eventual dismissal of the Dashboard.
