CIO Jury: Businesses shun Windows on Macs

Apple this week released a public beta version of software that lets Microsoft Windows XP run natively on Intel-based Macs but IT bosses say they'd still rather stick with PCs for corporate desktop computing.

Only two out of silicon.com's 12-man CIO Jury IT user panel said that being able to run Microsoft Windows on Intel-based Macs would be more likely to make them try-out or switch to Apple desktop hardware in their organisation.

Christopher Linfoot, IT director at LDV Vans, said that Apple's move to allow Windows XP to run on Macs is aimed at "computer hobbyists" rather than business users.

He said: "It is possible to buy Windows PCs far more cheaply than equivalent Macs so why would any business buy Mac hardware just to have the option of running an operating system they don't need?"

It sounds like a total support nightmare.

-- Nick Clark, director of IT services, Tower Hamlets College

For many the price of Apple's hardware remains an issue. Les Boggia, IT division head at insurance firm Carole Nash, said he would consider trying out Macs in the enterprise but said Apple would have to reduce the price of the hardware before it became a viable option.

Peter Pedersen, CTO at online gaming firm Blue Square, said he would only consider Apple Macs for use in design and creative departments and not in finance, IT or commercial divisions.

But Apple's decision to not offer any support for Windows on the Mac is another issue for business users.

Nick Clark, director of IT services at Tower Hamlets College, said: "It sounds like a total support nightmare. The only reason I might try it is where we already use Macs to give access to corporate software and educate the users while still allowing them to run their essential Mac-only software."

Phil Young, head of IT operations at Amtrak Express Parcels, said Windows on the Mac would have to be competitive in pricing terms with PCs.

He said: "To be honest the Apple Macs just become another make or model of PC for us to choose from. Yes they will be considered but, like other PCs, selection will be based on price, performance and not particularly aesthetics."

Today's CIO Jury was…

Neil Bath, IT director, Brewin Dolphin Securities
Alastair Behenna, CIO, Harvey Nash
Peter Birley, IT director, Browne Jacobson
Les Boggia, IT division head, Carole Nash
Ben Booth, European CTO, Mori
Chris Broad, IT director, UK Atomic Energy Authority
Nick Clark, director of IT services, Tower Hamlets College
Michael Elliot, IT director, Hasbro
John Keeling, director of computer services, John Lewis
Christopher Linfoot, IT director, LDV Vans
Peter Pedersen, CTO, Blue Square
Phil Young, head of IT operations, Amtrak Express Parcels

If you are a CIO, IT director or equivalent at a large or small company in the private or public sector and you want to be part of silicon.com's CIO Jury pool, or you know an IT chief who should be, then drop us a line at editorial@silicon.com