I was all set to talk about the next version of SQL Server and ask people to test Denali this week or enter the Feedback Challenge. I had thought about discussing SSD storage earlier in the week, and even had a backup plan of looking over a few of the security issues that were brought up in headlines. However I changed my mind after hearing the news that Steve Jobs was resigning as CEO of Apple.

I've always admired Apple products and their slick designs, even while making my living working with Microsoft software. There was one time when I thought about writing an April Fool's joke that SQL Server was being ported to run on OS X, but wasn't sure there was enough of a Mac following to make this a good joke. I loved the original Macintosh computer, after having learned to program on an Apple II and hoped to save enough money to get one in college. However the price ways won me over and I ended up purchasing a PC clone, which may have changed my life forever.

In the years since, I have always admired the Apple products and their clean crisp design. Steve Jobs amazed me with his work at NeXT, an amazing set of computer hardware and software that was ahead of its time. I think some of that forward thinking came back to Apple with the original iPod and all-in-one Macintosh desktops. Through the years, I've been constantly surprised and pleased with the evolution of the iPod devices, computers, and the iPhones, that has occured under Steve Jobs' leadership. Apparently many others have as well.

I have been watching the other SQL Server professionals at various events over the last year or two and always been surprised by how many Apple devices are in use. From iPhones to Macbooks to iPads, it seems that a significant percentage of the people toting electronics to conferences use Apple products. Joe Webb and Brent Ozar have been making a SQL Server living over the last few years using Macbook laptops and they've convinced me to go Mac on my next hardware refresh. With an iPhone and iPad in my bag, I think the Macbook will fit right in.

Whether you love or hate Apple products, or maybe don't care, the world was changed by the innovations, design, and presentation that Apple brought to the technology world. One NFL team is even looking at iPads for the next evoution of their playbook. Steve Jobs stepping down is a major shift and I hope Apple can continue to bring about change in the technology world under their new leadership.

Steve Jones