The VAR Guy

The Mac isn’t for business. Or is it? The VAR Guy runs his business on a Mac. And apparently, Apple realizes small business owners and entrepreneurs deserve some attention. That’s why Apple has quietly launched “Mac for Business” educational seminars. Here’s the scoop, from The VAR Guy.

Over the next few weeks, Apple will host a training and seminar series call “Your Business on a Mac. Find out how.” During one upcoming event, scheduled for September 15 in San Diego, Apple will train attendees:

• How to migrate data onto a new Mac
• How to navigate and customize the Mac OS X interface
• How to use shortcuts, quick keystroke and mouse commands
• How a Mac fits into existing wired or wireless networks for file sharing, Web browsing, email and shared printing resources
• How included Mac applications like iLife, Apple Mail, Safari and iChat enhance productivity
• How to run Windows applications on a Mac

That last bullet seems to be a tip of the hat to Apple Bootcamp, but third-party offerings like Parallels deserve greater credit for bringing Windows users over to the Mac.

Regardless, it’s good to see some Mac for small business — and big business — initiatives moving along.

Did You Say Big Business?

Yes indeed, Apple does have some marketing initiatives involving key vertical markets.

A case in point: The Mac for Hospitality campaign describes how hotels, resorts and other traveler destinations are leveraging customized digital solutions from Apple and Nanonation. According to Apple:

Demonstrations include standalone in-room interactive systems on an iMac computer, TV-based interactive systems using the Mac Mini, and digital signage and public interactive solutions.

Building on that vertical market theme, Apple continues to promote the Mac’s strengths to such industries as Architecture, Retail, Legal, Real Estate, Health and Accounting.

Is The VAR Guy cheering a bit too loudly for Mac in Business? Just let him know.