IBM has been deploying MacBooks within its workforce. This is a big deal for a large corporation to make a sweeping move with its personnel like this, and the results have been astounding.
Only 5% of the company’s MacBook users needed help from IT desk support compared to 40% to that of the PC users.
Starting June 1, the computer manufacturer – which is also a Windows-centric company – offered its employees the option of using a Mac at work, and so far, it has been a resounding success. According to Fletcher Previn, the vice president of IBM handling workplace-related matters, IBM is rolling out at nearly 2,000 Mac computers a week. Currently, there are an estimated 130,000 Mac computers and devices running on iOS at work in the company.
Implications
This move is likely to bolster the partnership linked by Apple and IBM last year. Though there are no official stats and figures, this simply goes to show how MacBook users find it easier to use Apple computers compared to Windows-run PCs.The transition from Windows devices to Apple was also pretty seamless, something that IBM should be commended for.
It is worth noting that Apple computers, mobile devices, and software put a premium on intuitiveness and ease-of-use, something that late CEO Steve Jobs emphasized and told his team to work on. Although Windows computers generally make up most of the consumer market, Apple computers are highly regarded and are generally easy-to-use.
Although Apple is still a consumer company, it is making leaps toward the enterprise market. This was evident during the introduction of the iPad Pro, which is hyped by Apple to replace most laptop computers.
Macs in the workplace
MacBooks have started rolling out into IBM employees’ work desks, and interestingly, only 24 people are running the support desk for it in the company, along with iOS devices: the iPad and the iPhone. Once the employees receive a Mac, they can easily set it up on their own (which is quite difficult if we’re talking about PCs). They can then register the computer via Apple’s Device Enrollment Program and install apps and make personalized configurations, as long as these are approved by the IT department.
The program installation is simplified as well: Mac and MacBook users only have to click to install certain apps and programs, like Microsoft Office. After which, the IT department will handle all the loose ends and necessities, like the licensing issues – all without troubling the user.
Is this a financially bad move for IBM?
It is common knowledge that Apple’s products have premium prices – MacBooks and iMacs are can cost two to three times higher than most Windows-run laptops and personal computers. This alone implies that IBM’s move in adopting Apple computers is financially fatal, considering that they would have to dish out more Macs to support the needs of their workforce.
However, Previn was quick to add that the company’s adoption of Apple computers will financially benefit the company in the long run. This is so mainly because Macs require less maintenance and manpower to maintain, unlike PCs. Fewer employees are also needed in the support desk.
Another added benefit is the Mac being easy to set up and use – thus saving valuable time in the workplace. Considering that it barely needs troubleshooting and maintenance, both regular employees and IT personnel can focus on more important tasks, instead of trying to figure out how to remedy the dreaded blue screen of death.
By the end of 2015, IBM plans to have at least 50,000 Mac computers in its disposal. The company is aiming to have at least 150,000 to 200,000 of them at the end of the program. It wouldn’t be far fetched to see the company having over a hundred thousand MacBook users next year.
Apple and IBM partnership
Both companies sent shock waves throughout the tech world last year, with them forging a partnership which would see Apple’s tech on IBM’s business and enterprise consumers, along with tech support. This partnership will help Apple bridge the gap with its business and enterprise consumers.
Apple has long campaigned that their hardware and its operating system, OS X is a much superior, better for work, and user-friendly product compared to Windows-run platforms. The above mentioned figures presented by IBM seem to prove this point – after all, if employees require little help from desk support, productivity is collectively enhanced within the workplace!
