--- Forwarded Message from "Chris Dalessandri" <[log in to unmask]> ---
>From: "Chris Dalessandri" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: "Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum"
<[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: RE: #7836 software availability for OSX
>Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2005 10:36:51 -0500
>Importance: Normal
>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
I can not speak to the issue of what CALL software is available for Macs,
but I am a software developer who has been around the industry for a while.
I do not want debate the issue of which platform is better, they both have
there plusses and minuses. One important thing to note is there are several
Windows emulators for
Macs out there, but there are no Mac emulators for windows. This is because
Macs are only about 3% of the market, and that number is falling. Even in
the education market, Microsoft continues take market share away from Apple.
As a software developer, I would like to support OSX but as a business
person I can not devote an excessive amount of time to a platform that has a
small and shrinking market share. Where it makes sense we write
applications to run on both OSX and windows, but this is exclusively for web
based applications, not for applications that need to be installed. This is
an unfortunate, but real problem. If you look around the industry, only the
largest companies are able to develop for both platforms. Most software
companies have to
pick one or the other; and most of us choose the one with the largest number
of possible customers (Windows).
Chris Dalessandri
Principal / Software Architect
Prismatic Consulting LLC
412.915.9072
www.PrismaticConsulting.Com
www.OWLTS.Com
-----Original Message-----
From: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of LLTI-Editor
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2005 1:46 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: #7836 software availability for OSX
--- Forwarded Message from David Weible <[log in to unmask]> ---
>To: [log in to unmask]
>From: David Weible <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: software availability for OSX
>Date: Tue, 8 Mar 2005 16:15:34 -0600
We may soon receive funding for a new computer installation, and there
will be cost and other pressures pushing us in the direction of Wintel
machines. In the past we've stuck with Macintoshes, principally because
their upkeep is easier (viruses, spyware, etc) and they have such
excellent built-in foreign language support. I am concerned though
about the software situation. What is your impression, is CALL software
migrating predominantly to Windows? Or is OSX holding its own? Are
there important programs/applications available for Windows with no
equivalent in the Macintosh world? The last time I remember this issue
being addressed was in 2003. I'd like to know how things stand today
and would be very grateful for your input on this.
--David Weible
David Weible, Director
Language Laboratory (m/c 042)
203 Grant Hall
703 S. Morgan St.
Chicago, IL 60607-7225
Tel.: 312.413.2348
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