Kasper Jade
Apple Computer's purchase of Proximity Corporation may be part of broader push by the Mac maker into the enterprise market, one Wall Street analyst says.
"We expect Apple to leverage the Proximity asset to bolster its core position in the enterprise space (as defined by creative professionals) and further improve the functionality of the consumer-focused iLife digital lifestyle application suite," he wrote.
Hoopes estimates that creative professionals comprise approximately 3 million to 5 million of the the company's 20+ million active Mac OS X users. "It is from this creative pro user base (further bolstered by Proximity's technology) that we expect Apple to make a stronger push into the enterprise," he explained.
Proximity — a privately held firm with offices in New York, London and Sydney — focused on developing and marketing advanced rich media asset management (RMAM) and workflow optimization software for the broadcast, creative-production, gaming and corporate industries.
Proximity's artbox sofware
In recent years, its artbox workgroup and enterprise software bundles became the de-facto industry standard for next-generation integrated RMAM and workflow for the broadcasting industry, with installations serving some of the biggest names in the business.
According to the Proximity's website, its software solutions cater to over broadcasters in 16 countries. It counts amongst its clients CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox News, ESPN, BBC (UK), TF1 (France), KBS (Korea), Deutsche Welle (Germany), and Channel 9 News (Australia).
Proximity's artbox sofware
Word of Apple's acquisition of the software developer was revealed by Proximity itself, which earlier this week posted the following message to its website:
"We are pleased to announce that all Proximity technology and intellectual property, including artbox workgroup and artbox enterprise, was recently acquired by Apple."
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35 Comments
I always find it funny when (in the rare case) Apple acquires someone, practically no-one's ever heard of them before.
I always find it funny when (in the rare case) Apple acquires someone, practically no-one's ever heard of them before.
Because they are companies selling into vertical markets. Not many people knew who Silicon Color was but video people were aware.
Broadcasters are probably familiar with Proximity.
Frankly I don't think Apple's making a big push into the Enterprise. They have a backend with OS X server but they're weak on Middleware and front end stuff outside of video production.
I'm content to see Apple continue to focus on creative markets.
WHERE DO THEY FIND THESE "ANALYSTS"????
C'mon, it's so freakin' obvious this acquisition has *nothing* to do with Enterprise or even iLife for the near-term.... it's for Final Cut Pro. FCP asset management has long been completely missing; it's the one area where Avid is ahead.
You couldn't summon enough rolly-eyes for this guy. (And why on earth is AI quoting him? I'd think they'd have the sense to see the Proximity acquisition for what it is.)
Head less mid-rage desktops are key to Apple's advance into the enterprise
You are so right Joe the Dragon. And I hope Apple shows it as "one more thing" at Macworld SF.