9 reasons why mac may be better than windows in the enterprise

Though Windows is still the most widely used operating system in the business world, top enterprises such as GE and Concentrix have ushered in a change to this norm by deploying Mac devices in their workplaces. Various factors such as user satisfaction, productivity and employee retention have been cited as one of the major reasons for companies to switch from a Windows dominated work environment to a macOS based one. Mac is better than Windows PC in a number of ways, the chief among these being its usability, stability and longevity. In this blog, we will be covering in dept on some of the reasons why enterprises should follow the lead of these tech giants and start rolling out Mac devices to their employees.

1. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Multiple surveys and researches have proven that Macs have a lower TCO. Apple’s strong supply chain allows them to incorporate high quality and one of a kind parts into the hardware. Even though Macs demand a higher upfront premium than a similarly spec’d Windows PC, the superior build quality of Macs gives them an edge in the longer run. Since the hardware and software are designed to perfectly complement each other, Apple devices tend to age well and continue to offer long term value for its customers. By releasing timely patches and free upgrades across OS X, Macs have come to prove their longevity even in business use. Organizations like IBM have reportedly had to employ a fewer number of IT staff to support Macs when compared to Windows workstations. 

2. Intuitive User Experience

The overall user experience of Mac devices can better be termed as intuitive as it works the way just as the users expect it to. Its system preferences have a much better layout, where access to commonly used settings such as networks, displays, and sounds can be easily obtained. The same can be said for other tasks such as ejecting drives or changing the audio input/output devices. When it comes to trackpads, both Apple and Windows PC uses the same trackpad technology from Synaptics. Nevertheless, Apple’s trackpad remains a more preferred choice for usability due to its driver software. Apple spends a lot of time in updating the response parameters in the software, thus users are always kept updated on the latest trackpad gestures. The spotlight feature in Mac can be a time-saver with its fast access to files and applications. By customizing the dock, users can have a clutter-free browsing experience and maintain the visual consistency of their screens.

3. Apple Manufactures its own Hardware and Software

Since Apple is responsible for the production of its own hardware and software, the operating system fits in neatly with the manufactured equipment. This optimal combination creates a better end product for the consumer. One of the defining features of Apple is its tight control over the supply chain. They carefully look into every aspect of the supply chain right from design to retail. Apple in its annual filing has stated that although most essential components to the business are available from multiple sources, a number of components are being currently obtained from a single source. Their selected materials from limited sources makes the products of Apple truly one of a kind.  

4. OS Virtualization

If users are required to use the Windows OS platform for certain situations, they can easily do that by installing the operating system on the Mac devices. Virtualizing Windows on Mac not only takes care of the software requirements, it comes with plenty of benefits such as picture-in-picture computing where users can open Windows as if it were another desktop application and comfortably work on both the operating systems simultaneously by adjusting the screen to accommodate both the platforms.

5. Comes Pre-loaded with Useful Apps

Mac comes pre-loaded with a wide range of handy apps that would be useful for an enterprise to ensure a smooth work environment. This dynamic set of built-in apps will boost the efficiency of enterprise users. With apps like Keynote, presentations can be created on the go. The Calendar app provides a convenient platform to manage and keep track of the day-to-day tasks.  

6. Enhances Productivity

When a survey was conducted to find out how Apple products were being used in the workplace, 84% of the respondents reported feeling satisfied. As more enterprises are moving on to issue mac devices to their employees, users should have an idea on how to get the best use out of their machines to increase productivity. Quick navigation options such as keyboard shortcuts and Magic Mouse saves time and helps in the speedy and effective implementation of daily tasks. The dock and spotlight feature further helps to enhance productivity as it can quickly locate and pull out the applications and documents the users need. One of the highlighting features of macOS is its Mission Control tool. It provides users with a quick overview of all the applications open on their Mac device. Mission Control can also be used to switch between applications or move the applications to different virtual windows.

While setting up the office with new Mac devices, employees can transfer their files and presentations from their old Mac to the new one via Apple’s Migration Assistant. This tool can also be used to transfer migrating preferences, networks and printers. MacOS has a set of terminal commands to enable the compression of files, thus offering several benefits such as freeing up disk space, decreasing the email attachment size, and requiring less storage capacity. Bzip2 and zip, the two most popular commands can be leveraged by opening the Terminal found within the macOS’s Utilities subdirectory in the Applications folder. Mac is better than Windows as it provides several time saving and performance enhancing tips to its enterprise users to make the most out of their work day.

macOS’s whois command is a highly convenient tool for users who often work with tasks such as web registration, development, design, and hosting. Instead of navigating to different websites that can compromise the security of the system, Mac users can just open up the Terminal and type in the whois command. This command can reveal the administrative and technical information of a web domain. It permits the discovery of the domain’s registrar and registration expiration date. whois even lists out IP addresses’ internal traffic and the ISP contacts for reporting abuse. In addition to enhancing employee productivity, macOS is well known for its high editing capabilities.

7. Built-In Security

The average Mac user is less likely to get exposed to security threats as there are fewer malware programs targeting macOS. All the apps found within the App store are sandboxed, thus even if there was a malware running, it wouldn’t be able to get into the file system. However, this shouldn’t stop users from installing a sound anti-virus software. MacOS just provides its users with that extra blanket of security of being exposed to fewer attacks. 

8. Upgrade to Newer Versions of the OS

Apple has released 17 versions of macOS so far, the latest being macOS 10.15 Catalina. These upgrades are free and can be easily installed from the system preference. This would only be applicable to get updates for macOS Mojave or later versions. Users using earlier versions of the macOS such as Sierra and El Capitan would have to go to the App Store application to get the latest update. Enterprises managing a large number of Mac devices can easily set up automatic updates by selecting the “Automatically keep my mac up to date” option from the System Preferences. With macOS, users can get regular software updates, bug fixes and patches. The free and convenient method of upgrading to the latest version of OS is yet another reason why Mac is better than Windows.

9. Seamless switch work between multiple Apple devices with Handoff

With Apple’s conducive Handoff feature, employees can complete their tasks on the go without worrying about leaving them unfinished. Handoff is a part of Apple’s suite of continuity features that help iOS and Mac devices to work together. Various tasks and data can be moved seamlessly from one device to another. Other parts of this feature include the ability of Mac devices to answer the calls coming to your iPhone. Some of the pre-installed apps that come with iOS and Mac devices such as Calendar, Mail, Contacts, Phone, Reminders, Notes and Safari, the default browser are Handoff compatible. The easy integration of Apple’s ecosystem provides the convenience of universal apps. You can purchase a single app for your iOS or macOS device and use it smoothly across all Apple platforms.

macOS management for the modern enterprise

Though the adoption of Mac devices in the workplace makes sense, it would be rather difficult to incorporate them into a Windows dominated environment. In order to make their deployment easier, enterprises must ensure to depend on powerful management tools like Hexnode MDM. Hexnode provides a centralized platform for IT Admins to remotely manage the Mac devices, automate app installations and deploy the right policies needed by the organization to function productively. By managing the Mac devices with Hexnode MDM, enterprises can:

• Enroll devices in bulk over the air by using Apple Business Manager (ABM)
• Easily configure restrictions
• Efficiently manage apps
• Prevent MDM removal
• Ensure the security of their network such as configuring the Wi-Fi settings, VPN settings, and Email settings
• Enforce Secure Web browsing and Schedule OS Updates
• Enable FileVault encryption
• Customize user experience through personalization by setting up login window preferences, customizing dock preferences, configuring setup assistant and setting the screensaver