[GuillaumeB]

Hi all,

I'm doing some research about using a Mac in an Enterprise mostly turned to Windows. I'm trying to collect the main problems that one may encounter such as:
on OSX:
- Proprietary software developed by/for the company not running on Max OS X
- Professional software (Accounting and FInance) not compatible
- MS Office 2008: no VBA engine = macros problems
- Peripherals

Now I was wondering if there were problems with Windows on Parallels (VCN, server?)

My point is that natively running WIndows XP with Bootcamp is the safest option "if" the enterprise's other machines have upgraded to XP as well ( and therefore with solid drivers for the company's printers, scanner...)

Thanks a lot

[besson3c]

I take it you are focusing on client side problems? There are a whole host of problems with OS X Server in an Enterprise environment.

[mduell]

The problem with Windows in Parallels or VMWare is performance.

[besson3c]

Yeah, I've tried VMWare, Virtualbox, and Que on the Mac and have found that performance under these VMs is pretty sucky compared to these same VMs under Linux. I don't know exactly why it is that Mac versions of popular apps are so damn slow (Flash is another great example), but it's certainly a problem.

[GuillaumeB]

thanks for these answers, I understand that the poor performance of virtualization will not suit the professional who want to switch to Mac and need Windows in his enterprise.

Do you guys know where I could find a list of problems related to using Bootcamp?
Right now I'm thinking that it would be a problem if the enterprise machines have not been upgraded to at least Windows XP ( since you cant install anything older with Bootcamp). Sothis might be a problem if the enterprise peripheral aren't supported

[mpancha]

Regarding performance issues with Virtualization, I have never experienced significant slowdown and I use Windows 2000, XP and Vista via VM Ware Fusion, I rarely fire up Vista in Bootcamp except when I want to game.

I'll post more later regarding enterprise related issues.

[GuillaumeB]

Hi,

I have read many complaints about Parallels, especially lags, long boot time or even freezes.

I'm trying parallels with Bootcamp on a Macbook pro and i have to say that it works like charm for me. XP thru Parallels even adds the right click functionality whereas when booting on Bootcamp I have to plugin use a mouse

Are there any differences between using Parallels + Bootcamp VERSUS using Parallels + traditional ISO image?

thank you

[Too Artificial]

I would add "IT department hesitant and/or resistant to support Macs" as one item. Another would be IT department limiting resources available to Macs due to lack of understanding the platform.

[winterlandia]

Macs in the enterprise are fine under virtualization however there are many companies that are implementing NAC (network admission control) that doesn't just let any client on the network and your mac might end up being an exception. Security and manageability are reasons macs are not typically allowed-- for example, many windows shops have pretty extensive logon scripts and group policies that do a huge number of things like setting a locking screensaver, autosetting up applications like outlook/word, force all clients to encrypt communications on the domain, map printers, etc. Doing all this gives them a very consistent predictable environment to manage. Having a few macs on a windows network (without parallels or vmware) means the IT folks need to re-engineer all that stuff to work on the mac as well. And there are some things a mac actually cannot do natively such as enforcing strong passwords and running a decent version of outlook (entourage is a poor substitute). So, to answer your question, mac by itself isn't likely to be embraced by your IT folks as it is just 'another thing' for them to deal with and frankly we know they have enough troubles just keeping the windows servers running. With parallels or vmware that makes you just 'another pc like the rest of them' you should be all set.

[UpQuark]

Don't assume that all companies run Exchange as the messaging client/server environment. If they do, they might be open to IMAP extensions to exchange. IBM Notes runs natively on a mac, as an alternative. Web mail is generally usable within a domain, again, assuming it is being used.

The biggest issues are Logging into the domain, if it is used. Drive mapping, printer routing/setups.

Some companies, I.E., DOD require that a particular MAC network interface card address is associated with a particular ethernet port. That means is your plug your mac in and your mac NIC's MAC card is not registered, that port is now dead.

bootcamp would be the BEST option. Parallels works great for me and is speedy for all the applications I use it for. It isn't a slouch at all. It isn't native speed, but I would best guess 90% or so. Heck I can run Quake Tournament on it.

Bootcamp would start the machine as a windows machine and would be easiest to join the network etc. Via bootcamp, the IT staff would support a windows machine only. Not some combo voodoo thing which IT dept are reluctant to even touch. That attitude is so ironic as they more than likely have several virtual servers running too.

Regardless, Rules of thumb don't exist.

I worked for a 10Million/year revenue company of 26 people. Macs were welcome as long as you could connect to the network, do email and instant messaging connectivity. Small company, lots of flexibility.

I also worked for a major Bank - very restrictive- no macs. Every machine had the same image. All machines were the same make and model and configuration. machine upgrades were done in department waves - so all at once per department. No admin users/no power users/NO USB connectivity/No laptops ever, bla bla bla.

The IT department considered Macs to be the cause of all viruses. But their policy worked for them and their support staff. It sounds draconian, but it made it easier for the IT staff, accounting and the security group.

You can compile a list, but it comes down to how flexible the IT staff is and how willing they are to support you by NOT supporting you.