Apple and Microsoft have been arch-rivals for a long time, and much has been made about their differences. Differences aside, the two companies actually share a lot in common. You’d be hard-pressed to think of two other companies more responsible for the omnipresence of computing and software tools. Fittingly, both companies seem to have a permanent perch on the Fortune 500 list; for 2012, Apple is ranked No. 17, and Microsoft is No. 37. Perhaps more important to computer users is that both companies offer application software products. In particular, Apple has its iWork integrated productivity suite, whereas Microsoft has its Office suite of applications. Regarding mobile communication devices, on this front, the two companies each have smartphones. The ubiquitous iPhone faces competition from Windows Phone. In fact, Windows Phone 7 won the 2012 PC Magazine Readers’ Choice award. Both companies have branded stores for users to purchase applications for their devices. Microsoft has the Windows Phone Store, formerly called Windows Phone Marketplace and, of course, Apple has the iTunes Store. Writer Bio
