Technology

Interface & Network

According to Apple Expert, Kristy C., Apple uses a network called AirPort Extreme card, which is a wireless card that picks up a WiFi signal, not a broadcast network. Apple's new AirPort Extreme Base Station solves three major wireless networking problems in one blow: speed, range, and configuration. The gateway also makes sharing multiple printers and hard drives across a network as easy as plugging in a cable with no extra messy wires. This new wireless router promises roughly five times the throughput and twice the range of the previous model. And it is backward compatible with Apple's earlier AirPort adapters.

The AirPort Extreme still works with the AirPort Express (older version), which lets you extend your network and stream iTunes music around the house, securely with Wi-Fi Protected Access options to shield those things you would rather not share. “Its clean new design is similar to the iPod and Mac Mini, and its U.S.B. port now allows sharing of a hard drive as well as a printer across the network.” Apple says nearly all of its current Macs are 802.11n-capable.

According to Eduardo Kibel, an industry analyst with the mobile communications group of Toronto-based Frost & Sullivan Canada, the former wireless standard, 802.11g only had 54 MB per second, while the new standard will boast a speed of 270MB per second and increased range of 330 feet, from previous standard's 165 ft.

Media & Communications Software

Apple’s communications media/software is the Final Cut Studio 2 which includes Final Cut Pro 6, Motion 3, Soundtrack Pro 2, Compressor 3, DVD Studio Pro 4, and Color, for professional color grading. Final Cut Pro 6 features Open Format Timeline, Deep Integrating with Motion 3, Apple ProRes 422, FxPlug Filters and Transitions, Simplified Setups, Integration with Color, SmoothCam, Improved Audio, and Cinema Tools 4. Motion 3 features 3D multiple compositing environment, Vector-based paint strokes, Point tracking and match moving, 3D text behaviors, Dynamic retiming behaviors, Advanced Keyframe Editor, Image stabilization and SmoothCam, Synchronized Audio Behavior, and Seamless integration with Final Cut Pro. In addition, the Soundtrack Pro 2 consists of Professional multitrack editing, Multipoint spotting display, Surround mixing, Life & Stamp, Automatic audio conform process, Revolutionary “take” management, and Professional podcasting. Also, the Compressor 3 consists of Expanded format support, Streamlined workflow, Support for Telestream Episode Pro plug-in, Qmater AutoCluster, Sophisticated frame controls, Fine-tuned audio control, Dynamic video filters, New geometry controls, and Advanced encoding options. Lastle, Color features Introducing Color, Intuitive Task-Based Workflow, Primary Room, Secondary Room, Interactive 2D and 3D Scopes, ColorFX Room, and Geometry Room.

For more information you can follow this link:

http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/

Or

http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/whatsnew.html

If you want to learn about Apple’s many software’s you can follow this link: http://www.apple.com/support/software/

Connecting Devices

Apple is related to Bonjor connection. It is an automatic connection where computers and devices automatically broadcast their own services and listen for services being offered for the use of others. Every major printer manufacturer has now adopted Apple’s Bonjour technology, so you can add any modern printer to a network without configuring it at all. Your Mac will automatically discover and connect to any available Bonjour-enabled printer it sees on the network. Bonjour works with the popular standard connection technologies, including Ethernet and AirPort (802.11). It uses the standard, ubiquitous IP networking protocol for its connections, the same protocol that runs the Internet itself. And all of the technologies driving Bonjour are open — part of the standards creation process of the IETF, like Bonjour itself.

Connecting to the Internet

Apple connects to the Internet using AirPort Utility. If you think setting up a wireless network is difficult, think again. AirPort Utility for Mac and Windows guides you through the process, and you’ll have your network up and running in minutes. For the most basic setup, all you have to do is plug your AirPort Express into an electrical outlet and connect your DSL or cable modem. Then open the AirPort Utility software and just follow the onscreen instructions. The software takes you through step by step, asking for relevant information, setting up encryption and security, and configuring your computer to access your new network — all in plain English.Whether you use a Mac or a PC, the whole network can be ready to go in about five minutes. And if you want to do more — such as stream your music wirelessly or add a shared USB printer — it’s just as easy.

IP

Mac OS X Server is built on open, industry-standard protocols and the latest in network security standards. The result is due to Increased performance and security of server deployments. Using the time-tested BSD sockets and TCP/IP stack, this advanced networking architecture ensures compatibility and integration with IP-based networks.

Principles of Network Security

Apple applies the four principles of network security by offering a valid source of confidentiality with their terms and agreement statement. This statement also informs the customer that this information is in fact coming from the source it claims to come from validating its authenticity. Apple has their terms and agreement which explains their integrity and availability. Whether looking up online or calling the store via telephone any answer to any question is answered honestly. Their security and access controls explain Mac OS X Server is built on an advanced architecture to deliver the features you want with the security you need. It’s designed to protect your server, your network, and your data with a host of features — including built-in firewall with stateful packet analysis, strong encryption and authentication services, data security architectures, and support for access control lists (ACLs).

Domain Name

Domain names containing scripts that are not in the allowed list will be displayed in an ASCII format called "Punycode." For example, an imposter website with the URL " http://www.apple.com/" that uses the Cyrillic letter "a" would be displayed as "http://www.xn--pple-43d.com" for your protection. This conversion prevents disabled scripts from being confused with other scripts.

Hardware and Software

Input devices

Apple sells a large variety of input devices with over sixty three choices of mice and keyboards. Both the mice and keyboards come with the option of being wireless or not.

Our variety of mice and keyboards

The great option about owning a mac is that almost all of the computers come with a camera and microphone that is placed inside the computer so that it is more convenient for the user. There are also many other apple accessories that you can buy for you computer, such as scanners. There are many different types of scanners that you can buy to input information or pictures onto your computer. To be able to comply to all customers we also offer portable scanners.

Output devices

In owning any type of computer you are provided with an output device also known as the monitor. Apple is very well known for our thin product line of monitors. This appearance is more appealing and they are easier to fit inside of your home without taking up a lot of space. Our computers do have internal speakers put inside of them, but if you feel that you want them to be louder we offer speakers that you can purchase to connect to your laptop.

Other output devices that we offer for sale are printers. We have a variety of thirty five printers that come in all different styles, sizes, and colors. These way customers have the option of buying the printer that will work best for them and will look the most appropriate for their home or office.

Our Variety of Printers

Storage devices

If you feel that you need a place in order to store some of your information that can be used whenever you feel necessary you can purchase one of our flash drives. A flash drive offers portable memory space and can hold many gigabytes.

Central Processing Unit

The central processing unit also known as the CPU is the most important hardware device on your computer. The CPU is the hardware that interprets and executes the software instructions and coordinates the operation of all other hardware.

Connecting devices

A main connecting device that out computers have are USB ports. USB ports are used in connecting input and output devices to your computer. If you have a lot of equipment that you need to connect to your computer and you run out of USB ports that are provided to you , we offer an extension of extra USB ports so that you will never run out .


Computers

Apple sells almost every type or kind of computer. We offer desktops, notebooks, and a form of a PDA. If you own an apple phone you are provided with the internet and almost all of the options you receive when purchasing one of our larger computers.

Some of the computer that we offer are :

MacBook - 13.3in. $1,299

MacBook Pro- 15in. $1,999 & 17in. $2,799

MacBook Air - 13in. $1,799

iMac- 20in $1,199 & 24in. $1,499

Apple computers

Employees

The people that are in charge of all of the software and hardware for our company is Mark Papermaster and Bertrand Serlet. Mark Papermaster is the senior vice president of devies of hardware engineering.Bertrand serlet is the senior vice president of software engineering.

Application Software

Application software is the software you use to meet your specific information processing needs, and they can be categorized as either personal productivity software or vertical & horizontal market software. Apple’s application software include: iLife, iWork , iMovie, iPhone, iWeb, Aperture, Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Server, Final Cut Express, Logic Studio, Logic Express, Shake, Remote Desktop, QuickTime 7 Pro for Mac OS X, MobileMe Family Pack, and GarageBand ’09 to say a few. (Most of their software are made by Apple.)

System Software

System software supports your application software controlling how your various technology tools work together when performing specific tasks. System software fall in two categories: (1) operating system software (controls application software and manages hardware devices; multitask capability) and (2) utility software (adds functionality to the operating system software). Apple’s system software include: OS 7, OS 8, OS 9, OS 10.1 = 10.4, OS X 10.5, OS Hardware Test Software, Mac TuneUp, Norton Antivirous Dual Protection, Paralles Desktop 4.0 for Mac, Mac OS X Leopard: Mac OS X v10.5.6 Leopard Family Pack, Mac OS X Server, Mac OS X Leopard Server Licence etc., Mac Pro, X Scan, Xserver, and AirPort Extreme 802.11n to say a few. Apple’s “Linux” are: Shake 4.1 (Linux) GUI Floating Lic – Single and Shake 4.1 (Linux) GUI Floating Lic – VL 5+ , which are designed to handle the complex and high resolution composition.

Databases and Data Warehouses

Apple consists of many different types of files. Some of these files used in the business process are Costumer files, order files, sales files, and supplier files. In running a business databases are very important. We use analytical processing databases and operational databases. Both of these databases are used in helping to form and make decisions and holding information for Apple. The person that is in charge of these databases is Carol Hubler Tandem. Tandem is macintosh’s marketing manager and is help responsible for these two databases. OLAP, also known as online analytical processing, is used in Apple. The name of our OLAP is called Power*Architect 0.9.12 . In every business reports for managers are very important to be able to tell how the company and how the eomployees are doing. Apple managers obtain their reports through various computer applications and databases.

DATABASE WAREHOUSE

Apple does find the use of database warehouse very important in running their business properly. They feel this way because it is a huge collection of information that is put together from many different databases. In using the database warehouse it is a very complicated procedure but in the end is very beneficial in the decision making process of the business.

DATA MARTS

Apple keeps tracks of many different activities in the business by the use of data marts. Data marts help them to focus on a certain opertaion throughout the business rather then the whole summary of things. We feel that data marts are very important, they are smaller versions of our database warehouses, but make it easy to focus on one objective.

DATA MINING

Data mining consists of many different tools such as query and reporting tools, intelligent agents, multidimensional analysis tools, and statistical tools. Apple utilizes many of these data mining tools. Multidimensional analysis is used to view analysis in a various number of perspectives. This gives apple a better look and more detailed information from seeing things in not only just one perspective. Apple is very much involved in using the statistical tools to apply stats to information that is already in the data warehouse. In using all of these methods Apple benifits by aquiring more information needed to run their business and it helps them to make the correct decisions. The software that Apple uses for their data mining process is KnowledgeMiner . KnowledgeMiner is a data mining tool that enables anyone to use its unique form of modeling to quickly visualize new possibilities.

Apple's Impressive Quarterly Numbers

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jan2009/tc20090121_101972.htm

Doesn’t matter how you get your news, all you hear everyone talking about is the current recession, through these economic times it’s hard for companies to stay afloat, much less make some profit. But you mustn't look too hard to find a business that is flourishing.

Apple has released a report showing not only profit and revenue on the first fiscal quarter , but also a growth in sales. This break from the current situation is in part due to the great sale of the iPhone, which sold 4.36 million cell phones, almost double of what it sold the previous year.

On the computer side of things, Apple stayed strong relying on their new and slick notebooks, but sales of the desktop fell a quarter from what it was selling last year, it is currently selling 728,000 desktops. Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer explained that the difference in sales reflects what the market wants, and the market wants something slick and portable.

Apple has proved to be a strong company through its change from their CEO for the last 11 years, Steve Jobs leaving due to health issues to Tim Cook. Jobs handed down the day-to-day procedures to Tim Cook on January 14. As a new CEO Cook is already getting ready for the competing market, ready to fight it out with any iPhone challenger.