Wilkes University Going All-Mac Across Campus

Wilkes University recently became one of the first college campuses in the country to institute a university-wide switch from Windows-based PCs to Apple's new Intel-based Macs. Over the next three years, Wilkes University will become an all-Mac campus, providing faculty and students access to both Mac-only offerings such as iLife, Apple's suite of digital lifestyle applications, and Mac OS X, the world's most advanced operating system and Windows applications.

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (BusinessWire EON) March 2, 2007 -- Wilkes University recently became one of the first college campuses in the country to institute a university-wide switch from Windows-based PCs to Apple’s new Intel-based Macs. Over the next three years, Wilkes University will become an all-Mac campus, providing faculty and students access to both Mac-only offerings such as iLife, Apple’s suite of digital lifestyle applications, and Mac OS X, the world’s most advanced operating system and Windows applications.

We're making working and learning more efficient. It's the best of both worlds.

“Macs are constructed with superior technology and hardware and their ability to run Windows means we still have access to any Windows programs,” said Scott Byers, vice president for finance and general counsel at Wilkes University. “We’re making working and learning more efficient. It’s the best of both worlds.”

“For 30 years Apple has been committed to education, and worked with faculty and students across the country to enhance teaching and learning,” said John Couch, Apple’s vice president of Education. “We’re thrilled that Wilkes is becoming an all-Mac campus, providing its students with access to the world’s most advanced technology and helping to ensure they graduate with 21^st Century skills.”

Nearly all Wilkes University computer labs are already equipped with the new Mac computers and the university expects to replenish its 1700-computer network with Macs in the next three years. The switch to an all-Mac campus is a $1.4 million investment in campus technology.

“This is an aggressive technology refresh plan that will present students and staff with access to the latest technology,” said Byers. “We’re also creating a virtually virus-free IT network.”

“Experience with the most advanced computers available today will provide our students with an edge when they enter today’s job market with increasingly demanding technological expertise,” said Wilkes president Tim Gilmour.

Local marketing, advertising and creative agencies agree and believe the new Macs can make their work more efficient.

“Apple’s technology supports the latest learning trends,” said Chris Vida, owner and founder of Vida Works Advertising, Marketing and Design in Clarks Summit. “Because of its ease of use, it actually reinforces learning, in and out of the classroom. The opportunity to learn both operating systems in one machine is immeasurable. It is simply a platform that prepares students for future success, both professionally and personally.”