Apple and IBM are starting to deliver on
their "landmark partnership" to transform
business use of iPads and iPhones today. After a
deal earlier this year, the first apps designed by
the two companies will start being used by Citi,
Air Canada, Sprint, and Banorte this week. The
first round of 10 apps include a mixture of
applications aimed at financial institutions,
insurance businesses, and even government
agencies.
IBM’s Incident Aware app for iOS is designed to
turn an iPhone into a crime prevention aid for law
enforcement officers. Incident Aware includes
real-time access to maps and video-feeds of
incidents, and the ability for officers to call for
back-up or support. There are also two airline-
focused apps debuting today that help pilots to
be more fuel efficient, and allow crew members to
offer baggage information, re-booking services,
and special offers to customers onboard flights.
Other apps include sales systems for retailers, and
a tech expert help app to assist customers
through FaceTime.
While the apps are clearly focused on specific
industries, they’re just the beginning of Apple’s
battle for enterprise acceptance. "This is a big
step for iPhone and iPad in the enterprise, and we
can’t wait to see the exciting new ways
organizations will put iOS devices to work," says
Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of
Worldwide Marketing. "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."
The Wall Street Journal reports that IBM is largely
handling the coding of the apps, alongside its
cloud services. Apple employees provide input on
the design and ease of use of the apps, according
to Bridget van Kralingen, IBM’s senior vice
president of global business services. IBM is also
planning to sell iOS devices to corporate clients
that come preloaded with these new apps. More
will debut in 2015, as both Apple and IBM look to
move the iPad and iPhone into the business of
retail, healthcare, banking, travel,
telecommunications, and insurance industries.
