Apple’s Software Dilemma
August 10, 2005 – 3:28 pmApple recently announced that it will begin to use Intel processors beginning some time in 2006. Intel’s processors will replace the PowerPC processors from IBM that Apple has been using since 1994.
This news brought along much speculation, and as the dust slowly begins to settle, one key issue facing future owners of Apple computers is whether Intel-based Macs will be able to run software originally designed for PowerPC-based Macs. The reason this issue has arisen is because, unlike their counterparts in the open source world, most commercial software vendors only release pre-compiled versions of their programs that the end user purchases and then installs directly on their computer. In the open source framework, a user has access to the source code for a given program and can compile it on their own computer.
Intel processors utilize a different architecture than that of the IBM PowerPC processors, and it will take some time before commercial software vendors have re-written and re-compiled their codes for the new architecture. In the mean time, Apple is exploring some options to uncover the fastest and most effective means to port the old software to the new platform.
Lucas Graves, over at Wired Magazine, recently interviewed Bob Wiederhold, the CEO of Transitive. Transitive has introduced a software tool, called Rosetta, that claims to be able to allow for the porting of old Apple software to future Apple systems with minimal performance loss. The interview is short and does not include much in the way of new information, but it is interesting to see how Apple’s decision to switch platforms can empower different businesses in different markets.
4 Responses to “Apple’s Software Dilemma”
As I recall from reports that came out at the time of the original announcement, Rosetta was able to use a PowerPC version of Mathematica on an Intel system with virtually no slowdown. The results were similar for other programs. If the initial reports are true, it appears that the “dilemma” has already been resolved. Basically, software companies will still be able to sell the old PowerPC versions of their software and not worry. I’m sure that over the next couple of years companies will be offering both versions for their new products and slowly transition to Intel-only in the next 5 years (after all, there are still people out there using pre OS-X Apple systems).
By Adam on Aug 11, 2005 at 1:58 am
Another thing: from the standpoint of the standard home end-user, there’s even less to worry about. Most of the software that you’re typical home Mac owner uses comes from Apple itself (or, occasionally, Microsoft). Needless to say, both Apple and Microsoft will be readily capable of making the switch. So, what software does a person use:
Operating System - from Apple
Web Browser - from Apple
EMail - from Apple
Office Suite - from Apple or Microsoft
Music - iTunes (duh)
DVD - from Apple
Games - You don’t play games on a Mac, what the hell are you thinking!
That should basically cover the needs of your typical home user. The only (potential) issue is where people “need” that “special” application in the office. In cases like that, I would expect that it would be preferable for X Software Company to port things to Intel quickly so that Y Customer doesn’t decide to switch to Z Software Company.
By Adam on Aug 11, 2005 at 3:20 am
adobe photoshop
quarkxpress
But those two are already on board I’m sure.
By gv on Aug 13, 2005 at 11:52 am
And how dare you impugn the g4ming ability of my lappy! Why just the other day I was playing…an abandonware mac version of colonization…in emulation mode. And I can always play the newest PC shootem up at 2 frames per second with virtual pc. If the game even starts that is.
It will be interesting when people can dual boot and use their macs for pc gaming. I don’t think it will encourage gaming companies to code for mac though.
By gv on Aug 13, 2005 at 11:57 am