Has Apple reached the tipping point in the Enterprise?

Business has traditionally been a tough market for Apple, with Windows having a near lock on IT.

But the iPad is proving to be too attractive for business to ignore, and reports like 4 Reasons Enterprise IT Should Support the iPad and Gartner to CEOs: Seize the iPad Opportunity Now indicate that the barriers to Apple products are falling.

With the recent introduction of the MacBook Air version 2, I expect a lot of enterprise employees will be showing up to work with one of these with the intention of replacing their work provided Windows machine.  I wouldn't underestimate the demand from the senior ranks for IT support for Mac, and that will allow the wider adoption lower down.

Still, the relative cost-advantage of Windows machines may keep enterprises from outfitting the entire organization with Macs.  But enough people will either have the clout needed to get one on the company's dime or will buy one themselves to allow the Mac laptop to no longer stand out as the oddball at in the conference room...

My prediction: Sales of the MacBook Air for the holiday season will exceed all expectations and in January talk will begin about Apple growing to at least 1/3rd of the PC marketplace.