IBM and Apple Release IBM MobileFirst for iOS

By Christine Kern, contributing writer

New Solutions now available to enterprise customers in retail

IBM and Apple have announced the release of the first wave of their previously announced IBM MobileFirst for iOS solutions in a new class of made-for-business apps and supporting cloud services, according to a press release.

Retail-specific offerings include Sales Assist and Pick & Pack.   Sales Assist enables associates to connect with customer profiles, make suggestions based on previous purchases and current selections, check inventory, locate items in-store, and ship out-of-store items. Pick & Pack combines proximity-based technology with back-end inventory systems for transformed order fulfillment.

“This is a big step for iPhone and iPad in the enterprise, and we can’t wait to see the exciting new ways organizations will put iOS devices to work," Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior VP of worldwide marketing, said in the release. “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.”

Wired explains that this is a big move for the unlikely duo, who first teamed up in July to create business apps for iPhones and iPads. Together, IBM and Apple are hoping to capitalize on the software and data analytics market.

Included in the enhanced mobile management are a private app catalog, data and transaction security services, and productivity suite for all IBM MobileFirst for iOS solutions.

Services will be available both as on premise software solutions and on IBM’s Bluemix development platform on the IBM Cloud Marketplace.

"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,” said Bridget van Kralingen, senior VP, 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.”

Technical support is available 24/7 for IT departments and end users for their devices from Apple’s customer support group, with on-site service delivered by IBM. The apps can be customized and deployed, managed and upgraded via cloud services from IBM specifically for iOS devices, with security across the data, app and device.

According to the release, by targeting key opportunities and priorities within industries, IBM MobileFirst for iOS apps take enterprise mobility a level deeper, allowing employees faster, easier, and more secure access to their company’s full capabilities wherever they interact with clients.