--- 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 *********************************************** LLTI is a service of IALLT, the International Association for Language Learning, and The Consortium for Language Teaching and Learning (http://consortium.dartmouth.edu). Join IALLT at http://iallt.org. Otmar Foelsche, LLTI-Editor ([log in to unmask]) ***********************************************