Apple Computer ’s UNIX - based Mac OS X operating organisation is making inroads in the business residential area , according to a report by market place enquiry firm Jupiter Research . The composition tracks desktop and host operating systems in sensitive to large sized business organization .

The report found that 17 percent of businesses with 250 employee or more were running Mac OS X on their desktop computer . Twenty - one percent of commercial enterprise that had 10,000 or more employees used Mac OS X on their desktop .

Mac OS X Server is also doing well with businesses . Nine percent of company with 250 employee or more used Mac OS disco biscuit Server , while 14 percent of companies with 10,000 employees or more used Apple ’s Server software .

Due report proficiency , compare to where Mac OS X was last yr at this clip were not available . However , Jupiter Research Senior Analyst and writer of the theme , Joe Wilcox , characterized the numbers as significant for Apple .

“ What we are seeing is Mac OS X taking share away from traditional UNIX installations , ” Wilcox told MacCentral . In some cases , OS X is taking plowshare aside from Windows , as well . ”

Wilcox explained that large businesses with expensive UNIX scheme are opting for Mac OS X when they upgrade for a variety of reasons . OS X is win out over Linux in some cases as well , order Wilcox because these businesses would already have UNIX expertness on staff ; OS X has a good stable of server practical app and it can run traditional UNIX apps ; and OS X is more feasible as a background platform .

Jupiter also sees opportunities for Apple with companies that currently scat a UNIX and Windows compounding . With Mac OS X ’s UNIX underpinnings , companies can utilise Apple ’s operating system to replace the other two .

Microsoft ’s Windows Server operating organisation saw a marginal lessening in installed base this twelvemonth , fit in to the story .

Wilcox said it was too early to gauge chemical reaction to Apple ’s late announcement that it intends to switch to Intel - based systems next year . While price will be definitely be a factor , Jupiter ’s Wilcox said that is not always the largest price snapper .

“ With a circumstances of these systems the big cost is software , not ironware , ” said Wilcox .

Linux users also represent a with child syndicate of possible switchers , harmonise to the reputation .

“ I ’m surprised to see just how much Mac OS X has captured the pursuit of potential Linux switchers , ” said Wilcox . “ company that were consider Linux are now buying Mac OS X instead . ”

UpdateClarified the per centum of companies using Mac OS X client .