The combination of Art and Office, makes me wonder why Microsoft would pursue such an online community and a method to showcase its Office software suite for the Mac. I suspect that MacBU at Microsoft is responding to the newly released iWork ’08. By including a spreadsheet program in the iWork ’08 suite, Apple has brought it to a level where it can be considered a viable alternative to Office as a productivity suite. Notice that this Art of Office web site targets only the Mac version of Office. iWork ’08 is not a threat to MS Office on Windows, since it runs only on a Mac.

Microsoft’s MacBU could have chosen to showcase Office in a different way. However, they decided to emphasize the creative aspect of Office. Art of Office is not promoting the number crunching superiority of Office, but rather its ability to be used for creative, artistic projects. Apple has always been associated with creativity and art and continues to be heavily used by the creative professionals. I would argue that this group of Mac consumers will be the first to consider moving away from Office in favor of iWork.

I believe that the launch of Art of Office is clearly in response to the increasing threat of competition from iWork to Microsoft Office for Mac.

What do you think about the launch of Art of Office? Share your opinion in the comments.

Well, today I came across an article that explores what seems to be a side-effect of Apple popularity in the consumer market. Donna Fuscaldo, the author, notes that “the popularity of Apple’s Macintosh computers is morphing into increased interest from corporations – and not only from the graphic arts departments, where Apple products traditionally have been popular.” If this trend continues, this could mean that the corporate market may become part of Apple’s business strategy.

The CNNMoney.com article points out further that even though “Apple has less than 3% of the U.S. corporate market, according to some estimates, and isn’t clear if being a player there is a priority for the company. However, corporations appear to be interested.” Personally, I think corporations should consider the Mac seriously. And some are, such as the Auto Warehousing Co. (AWC), who is moving their entire company to the Mac platform. And this is not a small mom and pop shop. AWC is the largest full-service auto processing company in North America. The original article on this story can be found at Computerworld.com.

I think this example and the many satisfied Mac consumers are an indication that Apple is delivering a solid operating system tightly integrated with high quality hardware. A formula that has come to be associated with stability, superb performance and class.

First, Apple provides generous discounts to students and educational employees. This is true for both computers and software. When you’re at the online Apple store look for the section labeled “More Stores” in the right sidebar and click under the heading “Education.” That will take you to a special store that will display educational discount prices.

Secondly, you can purchase hundred’s of software titles at a discount from AcademicSuperStore.com. In addition to software, this store also sells a number of peripherals.

And lastly, don’t forget that there’s lots of free software for the Mac. Some time ago I wrote about a program called MacLibre, which helps you download and install a number of open source (free) software titles on the Mac. In addition, you can visit MacUpdate.com for an extensive list of free and shareware titles. Furthermore, you can find free or shareware software on Apple’s own website in the Downloads section.

Don’t believe the myth that there’s no free software for the Mac. In many cases the free or low cost software available for the Mac is much better than what you’ll find for Windows. Software availability shouldn’t be a reason to keep you from switching to the world’s most advanced computing platform.

I hope you chose to use a Mac. I did. And loving every moment of it.

Once you’ve seen the video let me know what you think.