BREAKING: Apple and IBM goes in massive partnership, a way to redefine the mobile enterprise

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When you hear of IBM, the first thing that comes in to your mind is its PCs and data management & analytic tools. About three decades back, IBM introduced command-based operating system i.e. DOS which was bought by Microsoft. The story is now a matter of past. Now, IBM mostly deals with providing software frameworks for enterprise solutions. You may never think of Apple and IBM going in a deal, as IBM generally provides PC solutions. But well, to the surprise of all of us, Apple and IBM announced a huge partnership yesterday!

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It’s not just a simple deal between two big companies, it’s actually the way to redefine the mobile enterprise. The deal has threatened Google straightaway, and has surprised Microsoft too. As per deal, IBM will collaborate with Apple to bring over 100 enterprise apps and cloud services exclusively for iOS devices. All these services will the part of IBM’s new initiative ‘IBM MobileFirst for iOS Solutions’. The apps will cover areas i.e. retail, healthcare, banking, travel and transportation. The softwares will be available in Fall i.e. early 2015. This is what IBM CEO Ginni Rometty on Apple and IBM partnership,

Mobility—combined with the phenomena of data and cloud—is transforming business and our industry in historic ways, allowing people to re-imagine work, industries and professions, This alliance with Apple will build on our momentum in bringing these innovations to our clients globally, and leverages IBM’s leadership in analytics, cloud, software and services. We are delighted to be teaming with Apple, whose innovations have transformed our lives in ways we take for granted, but can’t imagine living without. Our alliance will bring the same kind of transformation to the way people work, industries operate and companies perform.

In return, Apple will provide exclusive AppleCare service for IBM’s enterprise customers. The Cupertino will be selling iPhones and iPads to them along with the new essential services. Apple CEO Tim Cook sent a memo to his employees, reflecting the deal in short. Have a look,

Team,

Today, we announced a groundbreaking new partnership with IBM that will enable enterprises to put the power of big data analytics at their employees‘ fingertips on their iOS device. This exclusive global partnership brings 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.

It also builds on the incredible momentum in Apple’s enterprise business. iPhone and iPad can be found in 98% of the Fortune 500. People love to use iOS devices and Apple delivers the things companies need most—security and scalable deployment along with a powerful platform for apps. With this announcement, we’re now 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 only Apple and IBM can deliver.

IBM is known for helping customers leverage big data and analytics to make their businesses run better. With over 100,000 consultants and sales professionals, they also have massive scale and global reach. IBM‘s sales and consulting teams will also be selling iPad, iPhone and AppleCare for Enterprise as part of the partnership.

This partnership brings together the best of both companies. It’s great news for Apple, IBM and for enterprise customers worldwide and I’m really excited to see it take off.

Tim

Here is a tweet from Apple’s SVP of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller too,

No doubt, a great success for both Apple and IBM. Meanwhile, the competition between three main mobile platforms is going tough. This deal will surely give Apple a chance and hope to leave its competitors far behind.

Don’t miss to share your thoughts regarding this partnership in your comments below.