Apple and IBM Join Forces on Business-customized iPhones and iPads

In a landmark deal, Apple and IBM have decided to work together to provide business-customizes iPhones and iPads which will be more suitable for enterprises. The deal is intended to get back business customers who have moved over to other platforms like Android and Windows Phone particularly in the tablet space.

It is hoped that Apple's know how for smart devices and IBM's experience and knowledge of analytics, data and enterprise-level business requirements will produce something quite special. Think: Nike and Apple collaboration which at first seemed a little odd (a sneaker shoe company and a software company?) but ended up proving to be a very successful partnership.

Just In Time

This move is necessary for Apple because it is rapidly losing market share in the tablet space.

According to Strategy Analytics, Apple iPad sales have fallen markedly and Android tablets now have almost two thirds of the market share today. Apple's share of the tablet space has dropped from over 40 percent to less than 29 percent in the last year alone.

With smartphones, research company IDC suggest that Android smartphones will achieve over 80 percent market share in 2014, with Apple badly trailing at less than 15 percent.

Move over iCloud, Hello IBM Cloud

As part of the partnership, IBM cloud services will become more integrated with iOS to enable existing and new IBM enterprise customers to get the most benefit out of the IBM-based cloud.

Native Apps

There are plans to develop as many as 100 enterprise-focused apps to help corporate customers in specific industries achieve their objectives.

AppleCare Expanding

AppleCare 24/7 support will be extended to cater to enterprise customer needs instead of being centrally-focused on the consumer market.

IBM MobileFirst Platform for iOS

IBM MobileFirst Platform for iOS will provide enterprises access to IBM cloud, workflow management, productivity suites, and device management across a business.

IBM Patent Registrations

IBM is known to have over 4,300 patents pertaining to mobile, social interactions and security considerations. Many of these unique features have been included in the IBM MobileFirst range of solutions. This will be extended into the iOS platform with improved integration with Apple.

Good News For Both Companies

This has to be a win-win for both companies, Apple and IBM. Business customers will enjoy the benefits of existing IBM expertise while Apple can work to get more lock-in for its products in the corporate space.