Apple and IBM deliver first wave of IBM MobileFirst for iOS apps

Apple and IBM has delivered the first wave of IBM MobileFirst for iOS solutions in a new class of made-for-business apps and supporting cloud services that bring IBM's big data and analytics capabilities to iPhone and iPad users in the enterprise.

IBM MobileFirst for iOS solutions are now available to enterprise customers in banking, retail, insurance, financial services, telecommunications and for governments and airlines, thanks to a collaboration between Apple and IBM.

"What we're delivering aims directly at the new quest of business; smart technologies that unlock new value at the intersection of big data and individual engagement," says Bridget van Kralingen, senior vice president, IBM Global Business Services.

"Our collaboration combines IBM's industry expertise and unmatched position in enterprise computing, with Apple's legendary user experience and excellence in product design to lift the performance of a new generation of business professionals."

"This is a big step for iPhone and iPad in the enterprise, and we can't wait to see the exciting new ways organisations 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."

In targeting key opportunities and priorities within industries, IBM MobileFirst for iOS apps aim to take enterprise mobility a level deeper, helping employees access their company's full capabilities wherever they interact with clients.

The new apps were built exclusively for iPhone and iPad, and are delivered in a secure environment, embedded with analytics and linked to core enterprise processes. IBM says the apps can be customised for any organisation and easily deployed, managed and upgraded via cloud services from IBM specifically for iOS devices, with security across the data, app and device.

The first suite of IBM MobileFirst for iOS solutions are now available across multiple industries, with additional apps being continuously designed and developed. To supplement the apps, the partnership between Apple and IBM offers business customers additional levels of capability integrated for enterprise mobility.