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Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) on Wednesday introduced new software that allows Intel-based Macs to run Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Windows XP.
Dubbed Boot Camp, the public beta software is available as a download to allow users with a Windows XP installation disc to load the competing operating system. Once installation is complete, users can restart their computer to run either Mac OS X or Windows XP.
"Apple has no desire or plan to sell or support Windows, but many customers have expressed their interest to run Windows on Apple's superior hardware now that we use Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) processors," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing. "We think Boot Camp makes the Mac even more appealing to Windows users considering making the switch."
Concept Has Legs
For Apple, providing users with the ability to run Windows XP on a Mac is a major step that could open the floodgates for consumers looking to convert to the Mac platform, according to Technology Business Research analyst Tim Deal.
"This presents a significant value proposition for buying a Macintosh," Deal told MacNewsWorld, noting that the software opens up opportunities to exponentially increase the number of applications available to Apple fans.
Indeed, Boot Camp could be a Mac gamers' delight, because it would enable them to play popular games made available only for Windows XP boxes. "Gamers who will spend any amount of money to get a good gaming box will be intrigued by the proposition of now running Windows XP software on their Mac without giving up the benefits of Mac OS X," Deal remarked.
Dell's Perspective
If Boot Camp succeeds, it gives Microsoft reason to celebrate, as XP sales 
would likely get a boost. PC makers like Dell (Nasdaq: DELL), Gateway (NYSE: GTW), Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ) and Acer, though, may feel threatened by the prospect of losing customers.
"Macs still present a price premium on the consumer side. That will always be an issue to many consumers," Deal noted. "However, for those where technology and differentiation by innovation is the key purchasing factor, this certainly does remove that obstacle."
Leopard Feature
Boot Camp will be a feature in "Leopard," Apple's next major release of Mac OS X. Apple plans to preview OS X Version 10.5 at its Worldwide Developer Conference in August. However, Apple made it clear that it will not provide support for installing or running Boot Camp, and will not support Microsoft Windows software.
Boot Camp simplifies Windows installation on an Intel-based Mac by providing a graphical step-by-step assistant application to dynamically create a second partition on the hard drive for Windows, to burn a CD with all the necessary Windows drivers, and to install Windows from a Windows XP installation CD, according to Apple.
Boot Camp requires an Intel-based Mac with a USB keyboard and mouse, or a built-in keyboard and TrackPad; Mac OS X version 10.4.6 or later; the latest firmware update; at least 10 GB of free space on the startup disk; a blank recordable CD or DVD; and single-disc version of Windows XP Home Edition or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later.
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