Apple and IBM Roll Out First Wave of Enterprise Apps

  • Thursday, December 11th, 2014
  • Author: Tim Maytom
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apple ibm appsApple and IBM have delivered the first wave of IBM MobileFirst for iOS solutions, a new class of made-for-business apps and cloud services developed by the two companies that aim to bring IBMs big data and analytics services to iPhone and iPad enterprise users.

The first solutions are targeted at enterprise users in the banking, retail, insurance, finance and telecoms industries, as well as governments and airlines, and include Sprint, Banorte, Citi and Air Canada.

“What were delivering aims directly at the new quest of business – smart technologies that unlock new value at the intersection of big data and individual engagement,” said Bridget van Kralingen, senior vice president of IBM Global Business Services. “Our collaboration combines IBMs industry expertise and unmatched position in enterprise computing, with Apples legendary user experience and excellence in product design to life the performance of a new generation of business professionals.”

The two companies have traditionally been seen as rivals since the early days of the computer age, and the decision to work together on business mobility apps shocked many when it was announced earlier this year.

Among the apps released as part of the first wave are Plan Flight and Passenger+ for airline ground crews and flight crews, Case Advice for social workers and government caseworkers and Pick & Pack which combines proximity technology with inventory systems for retail.

“This is a big step for iPhone and iPad in the enterprise, and we cant wait to see the exciting new ways organisations will put iOS devices to work,” said Philip Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide marketing at Apple. “The business world has gone mobile, and Apple and IBM are bringing together the worlds best technology with the smartest data and analytics to help businesses redefine how work gets done.”