Business
Wilkes turns Intel-based Macs into hard cash
University takes advantage of dual-operating system capacity of new Macs to save money by standardizing on a single platform.
Schools don't have a huge range of options when it comes to purchasing computers -- it's Mac or PC. In the past, PCs have been more economical but recent innovations at Apple has made it a staunch competitor when selling to schools, reports eSchool News.
Wilkes University in Pennsylvania is one school that has saved $150,000 by switching from PCs to Macs. The reason is that Macs now use Intel processors, which will allow the school's students and staff to run either Mac OS X or Windows-based applications.
"For 30 years, Apple has been committed to education and [has] worked with faculty and students across the country to enhance teaching and learning," said John Couch, Apple's vice president of education. "We're thrilled that Wilkes is becoming an all-Mac campus, providing its students with access to the world's most advanced technology and helping to ensure they graduate with 21st-century skills."
More than 500 Macs have been installed, and the university plans to install a total of 1,450 Apple computers on campus in the next few years.
"This is an aggressive technology refresh plan that will present students and staff with access to the latest technology," said Byers. "We're also creating a virtually virus-free IT network."