Safari is well-known in computing circles as the “world’s fastest browser.” Now, it seems, it may become a threat to Microsoft now that it is available to Windows PC users.
Up until now, Safari was only able to be used on Apple machines running Mac operating systems. But yesterday, at the WWDC event, Steve jobs announced that will soon change. Jobs unveiled a new version of safari that is compatible with windows, a move that shocked many.
So why would Jobs and Apple make this move with Safari? It isn’t all that surprising when you think about it. Software can take huge chunks of market share in the computing world, especially something as useful as a browser. At the moment, Safari has a very small market share, but now that it is available on Windows, that market share could quickly grow.
It also helps Apple show PC users what the Mac is all about, in an effort to get those users to switch completely over to Mac.
Apple has been gently tapping into the PC market with strategic offerings. First, it offered a Windows version of iTunes and then of course the iPod and iPhone compatibility with the PC. While Mac purist may not like these moves, they are sure to open Apple up to new customers. And, statistically, Mac users are a very loyal bunch. Apple must hope that they can get these users over to their side and keep them loyal.
I think that many PC users are reluctant to try a Mac because they are used to the PC platform. After all, Microsoft has really cornered the market on business PCs, and most offices are equipped with them. By familiarizing those users with some of its applications and their ease of use, Apple might make the transition easier by bridging the gap between what they know and what is new to them.
Mary Ann Romans also writes for the Frugal Living Blog here at Families.com, where she shares money saving tips for today’s families.
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