Apple uses Windows for critical work

[cabri]

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2360...o-of-mac-production-line-running-windows.html

Apparently, Apple products can not support manufacturing requirements. ^_^



Cross posted in the Software For Windows to ensure proper coverage and appreciation
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2386457

 

[Dahak]

Not to surprising as most of the software would probably be windows or linux flavor

But what is odd, it seems to be WinXP by the look of it too

 

[Rakehellion]

How can you tell it's Windows? All I see is a blur.

 

[Kaido]

They apparently use HP servers in their data center as well:

http://www.businessinsider.com/what-kind-of-gear-is-apple-using-in-its-huge-new-datacenter-2011-6

It's about using the right tool for the job. If a machine manufacturer only develops their software on Windows, then it makes sense to use Windows. If they want to run servers, then it makes sense to buy equipment from a vendor that makes servers. Apple doesn't care about the business segment; they haven't pushed Macs into the business market & they killed off their Xserve line.

 

[mmntech]

Macs aren't built for industrial settings and Apple doesn't make rack servers any more. Plus a lot of industrial software is only available for Windows, or runs on embedded systems. So it's just cheaper to buy ready made systems that have that capability rather than farting around Boot Camping Macs.

 

[Subyman]

And GM uses Peterbuilt trucks to haul cars.

 

[MongGrel]

And GM uses Peterbuilt trucks to haul cars.

Makes sense on both accounts I'd say, and what does that tell you about Apple.

:biggrin:

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

They also use Amazon EC3 and Microsoft Azure. Oh no!

 

[KeithP]

AnandTech Forum Guidelines

10) Post in the right forum. Topics posted where they don't belong will be moved. If the subject matter of a topic is broad or vague enough to fit into more than one category, please only pick the one that seems to be the best fit. Threads on the same topic are not allowed to be cross-posted in multiple forums unless members in one forum suggest taking it elsewhere after addressing the issue.

Seems pretty clear. No allowances for a dullard to ensure their post gets proper coverage.

-KeithP

 

[Engineer]

More surprised that these are made (assembled?) in the USA than the use of Windows!

As for control systems, Windows sets the standard for PC based control and data acquisition, from what I've experienced.

 

[Anubis]

Not to surprising as most of the software would probably be windows or linux flavor

But what is odd, it seems to be WinXP by the look of it too

that's not really odd. tons of manuf software runs on XP and its way to costly to upgrade everything just to get to a newer versions. almost positive those comps never connect to the internet and are internal only

most of our plants still run XP on most if not all of the production equip

 

[jpiniero]

More surprised that these are made (assembled?) in the USA than the use of Windows!

It's just the Mac Pro, so you are talking about super low volume and super high margins. The funny thing is that they have done a terrible job filling the orders; for a long time you had to wait a month or even more to get your order fulfilled.

 

[Anteaus]

I've always had criticisms about Apple for different reasons. This isn't one of them. Apple is well known for trying to bring product to niche markets, and the fact that OSX isn't used in a manufacturing environment only verifies what everyone already knew. All this article affirms is that Windows is the most ubiquitous workstation OS in the corporate world. Many Apple users would likely not want to get reminded of that, but hey, it's a simple truth.

In any case, it absolutely was a PR blunder. You won't see a Chevrolet commercial with someone in the passenger seat looking at a Ford brochure. You don't take a picture of the Mac Pro product line, arguably one of the most expensive workstations today, and let people think that you include software that you wouldn't trust to manufacture them. It's a perception thing.

I agree with jpiniero though. Apple has done a horrible job getting Mac Pros made. They were never expected to move large volume, but getting them to market has been very slow even by Apple standards. There have been criticisms of them filling third party orders over filling direct orders.

 

[mikegg]

It's just the Mac Pro, so you are talking about super low volume and super high margins. The funny thing is that they have done a terrible job filling the orders; for a long time you had to wait a month or even more to get your order fulfilled.

You can buy any Macbook in Bestbuy, Amazon, etc. and have it pretty much the next day.

 

[Anteaus]

You can buy any Macbook in Bestbuy, Amazon, etc. and have it pretty much the next day.

We are talking about Mac Pros....not MacBook Pros. In either case I just checked again and it looks like supply finally caught up so the wait is much less than it was originally, which was on the order of a 3-6 weeks. Looks like the problem was addressed.

 

[smackababy]

I don't see how this is news. They are using manufacturing software. And unless Apple has gotten into writing custom software so they don't need any Windows licenses in their factories and not told anyone about it, this isn't news.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I don't see how this is news. They are using manufacturing software. And unless Apple has gotten into writing custom software so they don't need any Windows licenses in their factories and not told anyone about it, this isn't news.

Addendum: it's not news to anybody who's ever been inside of a factory and/or who knows the difference between a rolling mill and a lathe.

Hell, probably 2/3rds of the CNC machines out there are still running Windows XP.

Also, it's probably not Apple's factory, it's probably Foxconn. :awe:

 

[BarkingGhostar]

Why should any of this be surprising? Apple's uniqueness in hardware fell to the waste-side in favor of PC-compatible hardware. Apple wants you to believe they are better than a PC, but the Personal Computer hardware is inside every Apple computer sold now. Hypocrites.

 

[TheStu]

Why should any of this be surprising? Apple's uniqueness in hardware fell to the waste-side in favor of PC-compatible hardware. Apple wants you to believe they are better than a PC, but the Personal Computer hardware is inside every Apple computer sold now. Hypocrites.

Wayside.

Also, who doesn't know that Apple is using COTS hardware? The difference between Apple and Lenovo (or HP, Dell, Acer, etc.) is in the design of the system, and the software, and how it all works together.

Look at what they just showed at WWDC, Yosemite + iOS 8 is going to be a killer combination.

That said, it's not at all surprising that that sort of software is Windows only. Up until recently, the web-app that I use at work was IE7/8 only.

 

[MongGrel]

Why should any of this be surprising?

waste-side

Hypocrites.

Bit of a Pun perhaps ?

 

[sportage]

I don't care if the Pope himself uses MS Windows.
Im sticking with my mac.
Once u go mac u never go back.
Aint that the truth...

 

[Anteaus]

I don't care if the Pope himself uses MS Windows.
Im sticking with my mac.
Once u go mac u never go back.
Aint that the truth...

Using OSX is like driving a Mini Cooper. You get tons of style, but little utility. That said, I like a mix a Apple hardware and Windows software. You get nice design and a very wide range of software options.

 

[Kaido]

Using OSX is like driving a Mini Cooper. You get tons of style, but little utility. That said, I like a mix a Apple hardware and Windows software. You get nice design and a very wide range of software options.

I dunno, my virtual Windows on my Mac under VMware runs way faster than my actual Windows machines :biggrin:

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I dunno, my virtual Windows on my Mac under VMware runs way faster than my actual Windows machines :biggrin:

What's wrong with your windows machines?

 

[TiredEngineer]

I dunno, my virtual Windows on my Mac under VMware runs way faster than my actual Windows machines :biggrin:

Maybe upgrade your PC?

My Windows machine runs circles around my MBP (well just sold my MBP...but still). They aren't even on the same plane.

I am not making an argument one way or another. There are good things about both Windows and OSX, but that statement truly means nothing more than you have a crap PC.