Apple and Microsoft have long been competitors, each struggling to gain top market share across the board for company products. However, over several years Apple’s Mac and Microsoft’s Windows have become less a form of competition and more an integrated form of technology. For example, Apple business products come with built-in features that integrate with Microsoft Exchange. This allows companies to tie together its workforce that is using a mix of Apple and Windows based products. Likewise, home consumers may use Macs, but also have the ability to run and/or integrate with Windows.

Apple Windows – Business Products and Applications

Thanks to integration, Apple business products and Microsoft Windows applications now go hand in hand. As well, because Mac-based home computers and mobile devices are used to reach out to companies, Apple products are becoming an integral part of business – even for those running Microsoft applications.

This “Apple Windows” combination has been a boon, creating a variety of products and applications for small to enterprise-level users. Here are just a few of the applications that have come from Apple in the last few years:

Apple Mail – Apple Mail, an IMAP account that comes with Apple’s. Mac services, allows integration with Microsoft Exchange accounts.

Mac OS X – In the past, if someone used a Mac, they were unable to open Windows files. However, with the newest Mac-based operating systems and their ability to open popular Windows files such as those that come with MS Office, compatibility is no longer an issue. In fact, Snow Leopard, also an Apple product, comes with built-in Microsoft Exchange Server support.

iPhone –The Apple iPhone, with millions in sales worldwide, didn’t miss the Apple Windows integration. With OS iPhone 3.0 +, the company pushed improved Microsoft Exchange calendar synchronization, as well as invitation handling.

So What Does This Mean for the Business Owner?

The “Apple Windows” combination is a boon to business owners. With consumer and business products working on both platforms, the perceptive business owner using either platform should take a second look at their compatibility options. While Microsoft has a large percent of the market share, Apple business products are up and coming. Look at Apple for your business applications; you may be pleasantly surprised.