Microsoft Sales Soar From Mac Users

The Mac version of Microsoft Office accounts for 20 percent of U.S. retail sales according to NPD.Mac users account for 10 percent of retail Windows Vista Business and Ultimate sales.

"Twenty percent of all the versions of Microsoft Office sold at retail are the Mac version," Chris Swenson, NPD’s director of software industry analysis told eWeek. "Office 2004 for the Mac is selling like hot cakes."

Swenson said part of the reason for the gains was Apple’s opening of retail stores. In 2001 Apple opened its first retail store in McLean, VA. Today Apple is nearing 200 stores globally. The retail stores offer a Mac shopping experience and promote the Apple brand, while offering a place to buy third-party products like Office.

Another reason Mac Office sales have increased is due to switchers according to Swenson. "If I’m a switcher, it’s almost a no-brainer to spend $149 on Student and Teacher Edition," Swenson said.

Swenson pointed out that Office for Mac is just part of Microsoft’s sales benefit. "Ten percent of Vista Business and Business Ultimate SKUs go to Mac users," Swenson said. He referenced U.S. retail sales and said the estimate is probably conservative.

He believes that Mac will see a small boost from Office or Windows and that what has helped Mac sales the most is the switch to Intel processors.