Apple unveils software to permit Windows use
By Duncan Martell
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Computer Inc. , the maker of the Macintosh computer and iPod music player, on Wednesday rolled out a first-ever software patch to run Microsoft's dominant Windows operating system on its PCs, a move that could draw millions of new buyers.
Apple shares surged 9 percent on Nasdaq, where it was the second most active issue. The move could also effectively bring to a close a decades-long rivalry between Apple and Microsoft over their respective operating systems.
By allowing Macs to run Microsoft Corp.'s Windows, the operating system found on more than 90 percent of the world's personal computers, Apple could woo people who want Macs, which are considered by many as easier to use and more stylish, but prefer the Windows operating system.
In June 2005, Apple said it would switch to Intel Corp. chips from those made by International Business Machines Corp. , citing the performance advantages of Intel processors.
"Ever since we introduced Macs using Intel chips, we've had some customers asking, 'Hey, can you run Windows on these Macs as well?"' said Phil Schiller, head of worldwide product marketing for Apple, in an interview.
Apple, which celebrated its 30th birthday on April 1, will move its entire Mac line to Intel chips by the end of 2007.
Schiller said company research showed two groups of potential Mac customers, what it called "switchers," or those likely to switch from Windows to the Mac OS X operating system.
The first group included those who are open to using a Mac but want to run programs that work only on Windows, such as Microsoft's Outlook calendar program, which isn't supported on Mac OS X, or popular video games.
The second group, Schiller said, included those open to using the Mac OS X PC, but wanting a "safety net" if they choose to run Windows.
"Most of them will switch and find they never need to run Windows," Schiller said.
Apple, with about 3 percent of the worldwide PC market, said the "Boot Camp" software, available immediately as a download, enables Macs to run either Windows XP or the Mac OS X operating software.
Apple rivals Dell Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co. and other PC makers use Windows as the operating system for its desktop and notebook PCs.
BIGGER BITE OF THE MARKET?.....
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