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APRIL 24, 2002

READER SURVEY

Should Apple and Microsoft Stay Hitched?
Their five-year agreement is nearing its end, raising questions about this mutually beneficial but tumultuous relationship


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Microsoft and Apple Computer have a complex relationship. They've often been archrivals when it comes to competing for the loyalties of personal computer buyers, whose primary choice is between Macs running on an Apple operating system or PCs that run on Microsoft software.


Yet, the larger company's Windows operating system owes its inspiration to the Mac's. And of course, Apple's very existence lets Microsoft argue -- convincingly or not -- that it isn't really a monopoly. Apple, meanwhile, can prosper only if Microsoft keeps developing Mac versions of its Office software suite and its Internet Explorer Web browser, as it has been doing under a five-year agreement that's about to expire.

Should the companies agree to continue their existing relationship? If they don't, who'll suffer most? Those are some of the questions raised in this BusinessWeek Online Reader Survey, which we stress, isn't a scientific poll, since anyone who wishes to can participate. That said, here goes:

Should Apple and Microsoft extend for another five years a deal under which Microsoft will continue to develop its Office and Internet Explorer products for the Mac -- and to invest in Apple?

Yes
No
Don't know

At this point, which company, Apple or Microsoft, relies more on the other for its success in the PC market?

Apple relies more on Microsoft
Microsoft relies more on Apple
The two rely about equally on each other
Don't know

Apple and Microsoft cooperate in many areas, but they also compete in major market segments, especially education. What do you think will happen in this key Apple market over the next five years?

Apple will hold its own or expand its share
PCs that run on Microsoft software will eat into Apple's market share
Micosoft-run PCs will drive Apple from the market
Don't know

Despite trying for years to break into Microsoft's stronghold, the corporate market, Apple has made real headway only in corporate graphics departments. How likely is it over the next five years for Apple to expand in Corporate America?

Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not very likely
Don't know

Do you primarily use a Mac or a non-Mac PC?

Mac
Non-Mac
Both
Other



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