Given that Apple's hardware house is in order and set for the latest updates, Bailey said the next six to nine months will highlight the company's software strategy.
Software is the key message.
The long-awaited Mac OS X is scheduled for a January launch and will update the user interface and add key features. Apple also has strong database, graphics and Web software products, analysts said. Bailey added that Web Objects and QuickTime are two promising products that distinguish Apple from the Wintel juggernaut. Analysts said momentum in software sales would be a welcome shift because Apple's profit margins, and bottom line, will be better. According to Bailey, the September quarter should show strong growth because of an easy comparison to year-ago totals.