Volume Number: 26
Issue Number: 05
Column Tag: Editorial
Change in the world of technology is certainly not unheard of. However, the changes we're seeing the Apple Universe have been astounding. What has been going on just this year alone?
- The annual Macworld conference runs for the first time without an official Apple presence. The smaller show proves a success, but begins the challenge to grow anew. (See http://www.macworldexpo.com).
- Apple releases the iPad; it's a huge hit. The iPad outsells just about everyone's expectations. Developers everywhere want to tap into this new market. (See...well, just about any tech-related media).
- A seemingly legitimate next-generation iPhone is discovered left in a bar. Better than a rumor, more detailed specs are uncovered and the speculation begins. (See this month's "Apple's Tough Love" by Michael Swaine).
- Apple announces the details for this year's WWDC. It's iPad focused and entirely devoid of a real Mac or IT track. Even the Design Award for anything Mac OS X related is missing. Speculation ensues (See, this month's "WWDC For Enterprise Admins" by Greg Neagle).
- Jonathan Rentzsch cancels the annual C4 conference. This is primarily due to the lack of the developer community's outrage over section 3.3.1. (See, "C4[3] in Retrospect, MacTech November 2009).
The common thread here—aside from change—is challenge. From Apple themselves down to all of the people in that ecosystem, we're all being challenged in new ways. It's exciting, though, isn't it? It's motivating. It's interesting.
Necessity is the mother of invention, and with that comes opportunity. Apple provides us with both the challenges and opportunities. For example, look at the new capabilities in Mac OS X Snow Leopard that Grand Central Dispatch gives you (see this month's, "Calling All CPUs" by Dave Dribin). What a great opportunity.
As developers, we should always be questioning and improving our skills. This is a challenge (see "Source Code Metrics on Xcode" by José Cruz).
As System Administrators, we should also be questioning and improving our skills (see, "Dating Files," "Configuring Git" and "Making PKG Files with The Luggage").
No matter our niche, we should be reaching out to and following our peers as a way to foster community and brainstorm (see The MacTech Spotlight featuring Daniel Stødle).
We're all being challenged, motivated and surprised; I wouldn't have it any other way.
Ed Marczak,
Executive Editor
