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    Apple and IBM launch iOS product for enterprise

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    Apple and IBM have launched a range of cloud-supported business apps aimed at iOS enterprise customers and the telecoms industry. 

    IBM MobileFirst offers iPhone and iPad enterprise users business-linked apps embedded with big data and analytics by IBM. Applications can be customised for any organisation and are deployed and managed via IBM cloud services designed specifically for iOS devices.

    [Read more: Apple, IBM join forces for enterprise assault]

    A telco-focused Expert Tech app will allow field technicians in the telecoms industry to prepare for planned work and also decrease the time it takes to discover problems.

    Apple said IBM MobileFirst would improve enterprise mobility by allowing employees to access their company’s full capabilities wherever they went, improving productivity whilst driving customer experience. The product is aimed at customers in banking, retail, finance and telecoms, in addition to government and airlines. 

    IBM will provides analytics and security services across data, app and device. Meanwhile, AppleCare for the Enterprise provides IT departments and end users with 24-hour devices assistance, with on-site service delivered by IBM. 

    Bridget van Kralingen, SVP of IBM Global Business Services, said: “What we’re delivering aims directly at the new quest of business—smart technologies that unlock new value at the intersection of big data and individual engagement. 

    “Our collaboration combines IBM’s industry expertise and unmatched position in enterprise computing, with Apple’s legendary user experience and excellence in product design to lift the performance of a new generation of business professionals.”

    A total of 10 apps have been launched initially, with more planned for development. Those included in the first wave include Passenger+, which helps flight crew offer personalised services to passengers, and Incident Aware, which gives police officers real-time access to video feeds of incident locations, victim status and back-up calling via an iPhone.

    IBM clients Citi, Air Canada, Sprint and Banorte have already announced support for the service.

    Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, commented: “This is a big step for iPhone and iPad in the enterprise, and we can’t wait to see the exciting new ways organisations will put iOS devices to work. The business world has gone mobile, and Apple and IBM are bringing together the world’s best technology with the smartest data and analytics to help businesses redefine how work gets done.”

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