by Oleksandr Kosovan, Founder and CEO, MacPaw Investing in security and stability starts with investing in the right technology. Investing in security and stability starts with investing in the right technology. Investing in security and stability starts with investing in the right technology. Global IT systems are failing because of over-reliance on its most popular system: Windows. Historically favored for its easy management and low cost, choosing Windows comes with hidden costs like device downtime, security risks, and even high turnover. But there are modern issues with escalating malware, employee demand for better tools, and declining Windows systems threatening IT networks. It’s time to adopt a new IT mindset; one where Macs empower teams to go further and critical system failures are a thing of the past. My own IT journey started in a Windows world 20 years ago, when I was managing servers for a global seafood producer company in Kyiv, Ukraine. After years of frustration with buggy updates and performance issues, I shifted my focus to Apple. I began to see the potential of Mac computers and their ability to redefine the industry. Wanting to make sure I could use my very first PowerBook G4 as long as possible, I created a product to do just that: CleanMyMac, the maintenance software that has evolved with me over the years. Although Macs have evolved far beyond being just tools for creatives, large companies today continue to dismiss them, staying bound to a legacy system just because it’s been the most available option. It’s time to let go of this outdated stereotype that Windows is the only option for corporate use. The Issues With Legacy IT Systems The Issues With Legacy IT Systems Thanks to early corporate adoption and creation of Active Directory and corporate management tools, Windows has long dominated the desktop OS market with limited available alternatives. And, while Microsoft, Lenovo, and Dell, for example, have plenty of budget-friendly options, there is a trade off. Over-reliance on any single system leaves exposure and vulnerability, but reliance on a system like Windows, one that has lots of contributing third party software developers and hardware producers, can lead to instability. We saw this recently, when the CrowdStrike IT outages in 2024 — the so-called “largest outage in history” — crashed millions of systems because of poor system management. MacOS, unlike Windows, has restricted access to its system components and files. No third party software or process (as of yet) has direct kernel access like Microsoft provided to CrowdStrike, meaning no individual developer can brick the whole operating system. Another trade off to the lower initial price is device lifespan. Because of their variable construction quality and software instability PCs have a shorter lifespan compared to Macs on average. Even if they do last, the interoperability between models, across generations, and between devices is far from the ecosystem integration that Apple provides. Switching from legacy systems isn’t easy, but history shows it’s possible. My own experience with on-site servers illustrates how a legacy system can be replaced with a more reliable solution. In this case, cloud computing was the technology that began to transform IT infrastructure. Big-Picture Benefits to Macs in IT Big-Picture Benefits to Macs in IT The other major option is Macs, which have historically been seen as a corporate luxury due to price and rarity. But viewing only the initial cost is short-sighted. Instead, by looking at the total cost of ownership – considering factors including cost of buying, using, and maintaining a device –  Macs are simply more valuable. They have a longer lifespan, less need for support, and can be troubleshooted more easily. There’s nothing more frustrating than feeling the pressure of a deadline and your computer suddenly stops working, making Macs a solution for a much happier workforce. As far as compatibility and management, there have been third party management options on the market for some time now like Jamf, Kandji, and Mosyle. Apple is admittedly late to the game here, only fully launching their own in-house solution, Apple Business Manager, in 2022. Sustained growth of the Mac management market as well as the explosion of cloud-based applications eliminating the need for OS specific workflows, it’s more intuitive than ever to make the switch to a Mac fleet. Macs’ longevity is also helped by native security features like FileVault or XProtect. Strict access to Apple’s infrastructure, boot and runtime security, combined with strong system architecture and malware protection make even the most basic, out-of-the-box Macbooks incredibly resilient and strong. Employees like Macs for the same reason the world does: they’re reliable, beautiful devices that help unleash productivity. Especially for anybody familiar with or already a part of the Apple ecosystem, using a Mac at work can feel like a natural extension of your daily life. The Bottom Line for Your Bottom Line The Bottom Line for Your Bottom Line More than half of employees would choose an Apple computer over a non-Apple device. So what do they know that the rest of the IT world seems to be reluctant to admit? More than half Macs enable greatness. With security and a user-friendly experience at the heart of their ecosystem, Macs provide the optimal environment for productivity and innovation. Employees should feel empowered to be a part of this important evolution in IT, knowing that asking for a Mac device is not requesting an extraordinary piece of equipment. IT decision makers need to embrace taking small steps like introducing mixed fleets, a structure becoming increasingly easier to manage and one that can provide resiliency in the face of immediate threats. Macs may look beautiful and feel more expensive than many Windows options, but they’re not just a luxury product. Acknowledging the shortcomings of PCs and Windows as an OS is not just a smart decision, it’s critical. It’s time for the industry to recognize the true strategic value of Macs and factor in the long-term benefits that an Apple device is virtually guaranteed to provide. About the Author Oleksandr Kosovan is a Ukrainian tech entrepreneur and investor, best known as the Founder and CEO of MacPaw. Founded in 2008, MacPaw is the software development company behind renowned products including CleanMyMac, CleanMy®Phone, and Setapp. As a student, Oleksandr created the first version of CleanMyMac, an app designed to declutter, optimize, and protect Mac devices. Since then, MacPaw has launched a variety of innovative software products for iOS and macOS, with one in every five Mac users having at least one of its products. Oleksandr is also a co-founder of the SMRK Venture Capital Fund, which provides venture investment for Ukrainian IT startups. SMRK has invested in innovative companies, including Ajax Systems, Preply, Esper Bionics, and Deus Robotics. Oleksandr Kosovan MacPaw. SMRK Ajax Systems Preply Esper Bionics Deus Robotics Social Links Social Links LinkedIn    Twitter(X)     Instagram LinkedIn Twitter(X) Instagram

The is an opinion piece based on the author’s POV and does not necessarily reflect the views of HackerNoon.

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