What You Need Know About the Apple-IBM Partnership
Mobile Solutions to Transform Business
Together, Apple and IBM will build IBM MobileFirst for iOS solutions, a new class of apps for businesses like retail and health-care, banking, travel and transportation, telecommunications, and insurance. The first of these 100 apps will be available this fall.
IBM’s End-To-End Services
IBM MobileFirst will deliver end-to-end services including analytics, work flow and cloud storage, fleet-scale device management, security, and integration. Expect a private app catalog, data entrance action security services, and a productivity suite.
Apple Offers Service and Support
AppleCare for Enterprise will provide organizations with 24/7 assistance. IBM will deliver on-site service.
iPhone and iPad Management
IBM MobileFirst Supply and Management will address device supply and activation and management services for iPhones and iPads. A leasing option will also be available.
Agreement Helps IBM Reach Senior Decision-Makers
The new partnership will help IBM reach CIOs in charge of making businesses’ technology purchases and, of course, it will help sell more iPhones and iPads. While many employees use iPhones and iPads in their personal lives, enterprises have been more reluctant to adopt Apple devices.
Big Blue Could Help Apple Sell More Computers
IBM could also help Apple sell more Mac desktops and MacBook laptops to enterprises as company-issued PCs and laptops get old and need to be replaced.
Business Apps Are Key
The potential financial impact for IBM may hinge on whether customers find value in the forthcoming applications.
Potential Bad News for Android
According to some analysts, the Apple-IBM deal makes it much harder for Android to gain a foothold in corporations.
A True Partnership?
Some analysts are not enthusiastic about the new agreement, saying IBM will be just another sales channel for Apple. Others note that the new partnership will help IBM’s sales as it enables IBM to sell Apple products to customers that would have probably bought the Apple hardware independently if IBM didn’t sell it.
A Way for IBM to Boost Sales?
Another analyst said IBM’s sales have suffered in the last nine quarters. Also, its customers have probably bought Apple products independently when IBM would not sell them.
