Apple partners with IBM to create a new class of business apps

We’ve heard about some pretty crazy partnerships this year, but this is definitely the most unexpected one yet. If you would have said back in the 80s or 90s that Apple and IBM will one day be partners you would have probably been ridiculed by most people. Well, it seems that the two tech giants have finally put their past differences aside for good and are now working together, for a while at least. The goal is simple: bring IBM’s renowned business software to Apple’s iPhones and iPads. In return, IBM will get to offer their business clients iPhones and iPads featuring the co-developed business apps. Sounds like a win-win scenario to me.

“iPhone and iPad are the best mobile devices in the world and have transformed the way people work with over 98 percent of the Fortune 500 and over 92 percent of the Global 500 using iOS devices in their business today,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in the press release. “For the first time ever we’re 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 that only Apple and IBM can deliver.”

IBM Chairman, President and CEO Ginni Rometty seems to be just as happy with this new partnership. He said: “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.”

The “made-for-business-apps” will feature more than 100 enterprise solutions including native apps for iPhone and iPad, IBM cloud services specifically optimized for the iOS, AppleCare tailored for enterprise needs, and new packaged offerings from IBM. These revolutionary new business apps will target specific industries such as healthcare, banking, travel, or transportation and are expected to land starting this Fall and into 2015. This looks to be one of those rare partnerships where both parties benefit equally. We’re very curious to see what this joint effort can bring to the world of enterprise. Stay tuned for more news and updates