Are Macs a smart career move?

The Macalope had to do a double take at this piece on eWEEK that argues that a well-rounded IT background should include knowledge of the Mac.

An article on Macs in business that reasonably lays out the pro case?

A quote about religion that is about Microsoft instead of Apple?

A reporter who didn't get a quote from Rob Enderle?

A planet where apes evolved from man?!

"There is almost a religious belief by existing IT staff in the Windows religion, and it's a symbiotic relationship: They keep getting Microsoft certifications and they keep telling their bosses to continue buying Windows," Technology Business Research analyst Ezra Gottheil told eWEEK.

Ezra, you're lucky you're not in the same room as the Macalope right now, because he wants to sweep you up and give you a great big hug and that would be embarrassing for both of us.

Probably more so for you.

Definitely for you.

But it's true. Mac home users are constantly derided as some kind of "cult", completely in thrall to Steve Jobs. But it's Microsoft that has created an entire church, with priests, acolytes and altar boys (also known as "Access developers").

Though consumer and enterprise technologies function in largely separate universes guided by wildly different demands, the uptick in Mac use puts pressure on enterprises to allow employees to use what they're used to.

Well, the Macalope doesn't know about that. Since when does corporate IT care about your needs?

Since never, that's when.

What does make a difference is when the IT professionals themselves get sick and tired of Microsoft's licensing requirements or Dell's build quality and try using the Mac. You know this guy, right? After years of dismissing the Mac, he's all, "Boy, it turns out Macs aren't so bad after all! Boy, if it hadn't been for those obnoxious Mac users who keep saying how great they are, I would have converted years ago! It's obviously their fault and not because I'm a pig-headed ignoramus!"

Mmm-hmm.

Well, whatever these people tell themselves in the mirror, the horny one has seen an increasing number of these once-straight IT professionals who are now taking a walk on the wild side.

OK, that may not have been the best analogy.

"I've spoken to IT directors who have liked many things about Macs, but the rarity of Mac technicians and the commonness of Windows skills was an issue for them," said Kay.

For "issue" you may feel free to read "excuse".

Until Microsoft refuses to give companies loopholes that allow them to use XP and Microsoft to claim it as a Vista sale, there's probably going to be little movement toward the Mac. It's a down economy, so corporations aren't exactly chomping at the bit to undertake a big software and/or hardware conversion. They're content to sit on XP.

Again, the Macalope's not sure he necessarily agrees with the entire premise. Sure, there's little doubt that some companies are going to give the Mac a try, but it's not going to be a wholesale switching. There's too much investment and cultural bias to overcome for substantial movement to happen. Still, this piece was a pleasant change from the usual claptrap we've been forced to endure.