Apple and IBM have just announced plans for a partnership that will team the two forces in a move to “transform enterprise mobility” with customized apps and services for iPhone and iPad.
“iPhone and iPad are the best mobile devices in the world and have transformed the way people work with over 98 percent of the Fortune 500 and over 92 percent of the Global 500 using iOS devices in their business today,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “For the first time ever we’re putting IBM’s renowned big data analytics at iOS users’ fingertips, which opens up a large market opportunity for Apple. This is a radical step for enterprise and something that only Apple and IBM can deliver.”
IBM will sell iOS devices to its corporate clients, and will develop more than 100 industry-specific native apps, built specifically for the iPhone and iPad. IBM will also provide iOS-optimized cloud services which will include capabilities such as device management, analytics, mobile integration, and security.
Apple will also offer a new AppleCare service that will be tailored specifically to enterprise customers needs.
Apple CEO Tim Cook and IBM CEO Virginia Rometty appeared together on CNBC to discuss the news. Cook said the partnership is about “transforming enterprise” and delivering on “the promise of mobile in a big way.” Rometty also commented on the deal, saying it’s all about “unlocking mobility in the enterprise.”
Cook said Apple began discussing possible partnerships with IBM a couple of years ago, and the enterprise arena is where the two companies best felt they could come together. “There’s no overlap, no competition, they’re totally complementary, and more than anything, it focuses on the enterprise customer.”
Rometty commented that the two companies have several goals to reach, saying: “One is growth for both our companies, but the second thing is this idea that – we have both – Tim and I talked often about remaking business and re-envisioning, reimagining professions.”
Following the announcement, Cook sent a memo to Apple employees about the new partnership, noting that the deal will bring together Apple’s “legendary ease-of-use and integrated hardware and software” with IBM’s “unmatched industry depth, enterprise software, and expertise in big data analytics.” (Via 9to5Mac.)
Apple has updated its iPad business site, including details on the new relationship with IBM, and a link to IBM’s Mobile First website, which is designed for enterprise customers interested in using iOS devices in their businesses.
