Apple and IBM team up for enterprise software cooperation

CUPERTINO, Calif., July 15 (UPI) -- Apple and IBM announced a wide-ranging partnership that will see the latter use its data and analytic capabilities across Apple's devices, suggesting a strong enterprise push.

The two companies have been working on around 100 business-centric software programs that can be used on Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. These will be used in the retail, health care, transportation, banking, insurance and telecommunications industries.

The IBM MobileFirst for iOS agreement will also see IBM selling iPhones and iPads with business-speciifc software to clients across the enterprise industry.

Apple CEO Tim Cook described the joint venture as a "landmark partnership" for both companies.

"For the first time ever, were 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," said Cook, in an interview with IBM Chief Executive Virginia Rometty.

"This alliance with Apple will build on our momentum in bringing ... innovations to our clients globally, and leverages IBMs leadership in analytics, cloud, software and services," said Rometty.

The partnership will benefit Apple, which will now have a strong partner to make an entry into the enterprise segment, without having to exclusively build and market to corporations. IBM, an enterprise-focused company, will benefit from Apple's cool factor and large consumer base.

The deal will give both companies extra credibility and possibly increased sales once these products are released.

"This partnership is complementary for the two companies, both in terms of their respective strengths and weaknesses," said Frank Gens, chief analyst for IDC, a research firm.