Apple joins hands with IBM in landmark partnership to conquer enterprise market

Tech giants Apple and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) have announced their partnership which would combine their respective strengths and aggressively tackle the enterprise market.

The companies describe the move as a landmark partnership which would change the way work is done, the partnership will address key industry mobility challenges and spark true mobile-led business change, the verge reported.

The computer hardware company said that it will offer its big data and analytics expertise, with Apple offering the elegant user experience of iPhone and iPad. The move could transform Apple, which focuses squarely on consumers, into a true business powerhouse. Meanshile, IBM will sell iOS devices to corporate clients that come preloaded with enterprise software designed in collaboration with Apple, report said.

Both companies are promising a new category of mobile apps that address the needs of specific industries like "retail, healthcare, banking, travel, telecommunications, and insurance.

Apple also announced that it plans to add a new 'AppleCare for Enterprise' customer service tier that will provide IT departments and users with 24/7 support, the report added.