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4 use cases for Macs in the enterprise

Microsoft Windows is typically regarded as the go-to enterprise desktop, but IT shouldn't rule out macOS. Consider four reasons to run macOS in the enterprise.

Microsoft Windows still remains the standard OS for enterprise desktops, but Apple macOS can offer benefits to end users that Windows cannot.

MacOS currently runs on around 10% of desktops. Let's explore the circumstances that might prompt certain users to join this minority.

Why choose Macs in the enterprise?

Access to specific applications. End users may require applications that only run on a Mac or that work best on that platform. MacOS remains the top platform of choice for graphics and video artists, typesetting and layout mavens, as well as visual, software, user interface and industrial designers.

Applications such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere and Illustrator; QuarkXPress; Final Cut Pro; and Filmora are often associated with macOS, which encourages many graphic designers to use Macs in the enterprise.

User preference. Mac desktops still enjoy a more desirable status than Windows PCs, despite a narrower range of makes and models, less upgradeability, and higher pricing. Perhaps for these reasons, Macs in the enterprise are popular among executives and entrepreneurs.

Software developers and other IT pros that often work on Linux-based systems may want to dig under the macOS hood and enjoy the similarities between the macOS kernel and Linux, especially at the command line. This enables those users to work in a familiar runtime environment on their desktops.

Security. Attacks on and exploits against macOS are less common than those against Windows, mainly because they present a smaller market footprint. Some security experts argue that macOS includes better built-in baseline security, but Windows 10 is more comparable to macOS than earlier Windows versions due to Microsoft's ongoing improvements and enhancements to its Windows Defender environment, including Advanced Threat Protection, Exploit Guard and Application Guard.

Ultimately, macOS needs security updates and upgrades just like Windows does. This is a point of comparison where Apple shines against Microsoft. MacOS updates and upgrades are less intrusive and less likely to cause problems.

Ease of use. The real cornerstone of the macOS reputation is that is easy to use. MacOS is often a better choice for nontechnical users because of its shorter learning curve and all-encompassing user support.

The easier and more friendly the platform, the more inclined users will be to spend time with it. This can translate into the potential for higher user productivity.

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