International Business Machines Corp has announced it will partner exclusively with Apple to sell iPads and iPhone devices loaded with apps geared at enterprise clients starting this fall.
The news comes just two days before IBM is set to release its second quarter earnings. It also comes as the company tries to shift its focus to software and services as its hardware unit continues to slump.
"We wanted to focus on creating an absolutely irresistible workflow and processes and a design of apps that can be used by every user in the organization," Bridget van Kralingen, IBM's senior vice president of global business services said to Reuters from Apple headquarters in California.
The company hopes software sales will contribute to half of its overall profit by 2015.
Over 100 apps targeting industry specific issues in healthcare, travel, banking, transportation, and telecommunications will be released, according to IBM.
The partnership was six months in the making.
"We wanted to remove some of the existing barriers of mobile in enterprise," van Kralingen said.
Both companies will work together to offer services geared toward security, bi data, analytics, and mobile device management.
The company also confirmed plans to create cloud services optimized for Apple's mobile operating system, iOS. Devices will be designed to operate through wireless carriers selected by clients, the IBM senior VP said.
"This deal is a very targeted attempt by Apple with the help from IBM to focus on the enterprise, corporate market which has really been the main business of Blackberry," said Tim Ghriskey, chief investment officer at Solaris Group, according to Reuters.
IBM shares were up 1.9 percent and Apple shares increased 1.3 percent after the bell shortly after the announcement was made.
Apps will be supported through AppleCare, Apple's hardware warranty and customer service, according to Reuters.
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