Apple and IBM have launched a big data and analytics platform for iOS devices, designed to help businesses integrate secure, analytics-based apps and link them to current processes.
The fully-customisable app builder platform is currently being rolled out to companies in the banking, retail, insurance, financial services, telecommunications, public sector and aviation industries. The tech giants hope it will assit them in developing more enriched apps, conecting employees to in-house systems while out in the field.
It can be managed and upgraded via cloud services from IBM specifically for iOS devices, making the process simple and secure for everyone involved.
Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, said: "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."
The first companies rolling out IBM MobileFirst for iOS solutions include Citi, Air Canada, Sprint and Banorte, although the partnerships expects to launch up to 100 apps and services across the industries outlined.
Heather Cox, chief client experience, digital and marketing officer for global consumer banking at Citigroup added: "There's terrific energy in our collaboration with IBM and Apple around the goal of equipping our professionals with mobile capability that will create new competitive advantage and enable us to re-imagine how we share our knowledge to improve the quality of life for our clients."
IBM and Apple first announced their partnership in July, with the initial tie-up including details around a supply and management programme that will ensure IBM can supply enterprise customers with device packages, activation and management services for the iPhone and iPad.
