IBM and Apple, A US$ 50 Billion Market Partnership: ‘Beauty’ with ‘Brains’ to Rule Enterprise Business

By Gaurav Pradhan

Are you seeing it right ? Yes, IBM and Apple are now working hand-in-hand for a common goal – Enterprise Business. Both companies have kept aside their 30-year rivalry since inception of desktops, looking forward into the future – Business Enterprise. The Amalgamation will work because both companies follow the same principle – Constant Innovation.

IBM brings its knowledge about Big Data and Analytics on the table, where as in case of Apple, they have a plethora of Developers and Designers. Both have unique strengths which are complementary to each other, and promising success in coming future. IBM and Apple will work jointly for more than 100 Business software programs exclusively developed for Apple’s iOS operating system, giving hands-on access to users through iPhones and iPads.

They are trying to revolutionise the digital device domain, converting them into decision making tools compared to the earlier devices which were mainly used for information exchange like text –messaging, contacts and e-mail. This will be achieved by combining cloud, data analysis and mobile technology with Apple’s smartphones and tablets, enabling them to transform traditional working methodology. The applications promise to remake professions, equipping professionals with big data analytics –at their fingertips. Retail, Banking, Insurance, Telecommunications, Transportation and Healthcare will get the early benefits as these applications will be targeted to those industries.

This partnership is going to provide Apple with a bigger slice in Enterprise Business Market. IBM has a global reach, as it has its operations and office in many countries.  IBM is known for its Big Data Credibility and Security among its Corporate Customers. Apple would now be able to attract those corporate technology managers who were earlier reluctant to put applications which can access sensitive corporate data on mobile devices, because of security concerns.

IBM is looking for Apple iOS’s developers and designers playing an important role in enterprise business applications. Design is very important for computing in specific applications because it provides accessibility to the users. Big Data along cannot do the trick. It needs ease of work with data, which will be provided by design, which will allow business to consume more data.

The IBM Mobile First Platform for iOS will support Swift programming language applications, pioneered by Apple. It will ease the integration process with back-end systems, providing additional along with necessary analytical capabilities. It will offer cloud storage, providing management and security which enterprises mandate. IBM is also thinking of supporting key functionality, including continuity offered by iOS 8 and OS X. It is still unclear that IBM will sell desktop hardware along with Mobile devices- but surely it can be an interesting proposition for the future.

(This article is dedicated to my mentors of IBM Gurgaon, IBM Mumbai, IBM Pune & IBM Bangalore, IBM Kolkata Office, who helped me understand Enterprise Business in a short span of two months, during my internship in IBM)

(Author is a Management student of IIM Bangalore having an experience in Manufacturing Industry, Follow On Twitter @GauravToYou)

Also Read :

Apple, IBM in Deal to Create Apps, Sell Phones – The Wall Street Journal – http://online.wsj.com/articles/apple-ibm-in-deal-to-create-apps-sell-phones-1405456933?mod=yahoo_hs

Why the Apple-Deal Matters – PC World – http://www.pcworld.com/article/2454700/why-the-appleibm-deal-matters.html