Apple, IBM debut mobile analytics apps for iOS
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Apple and IBM unveiled IBM MobileFirst for iOS, the first apps from a joint venture designed to offer business-specific, cloud-supported data and analytics capabilities on Apple devices.
Apple and IBM this week delivered the first fruit of a joint venture designed to offer cloud-supported analytics apps crafted for the enterprise and built for Apple’s iPhone and iPad product lines.
IBM MobileFirst for iOS solutions, which take advantage of IBM’s deep roots in the business enterprise, are tailored for professional users in government, banking, retail, insurance, financial services, telecommunications and the airline industries, the two firms announced.
The partnership leverages IBM’s industry expertise and Apple’s rapport with end users and attention to product design, the companies said.
“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 vice president, IBM Global Business Services.
Built exclusively for iPhone and iPad, the apps are delivered in a secure environment, embedded with analytics and linked to core enterprise processes. The apps can be customized for any organization and easily deployed, managed and upgraded via cloud services from IBM specifically for iOS devices, with security across the data, app and device, the companies said.
This first set of IBM MobileFirst for iOS solutions is now available, including two government apps:
The Case Advice app addresses workload and support among caseworkers who are making decisions on the go. The solution adjusts case priorities based on real-time analytics-driven insights, and it assesses risk based on predictive analysis.
Incident Aware converts an iPhone into a crime prevention tool, giving law enforcement officers with real-time access to maps and video feeds of incident locations, information about victim status and crime history as well as improved ability to call for backup and supporting services.
Two apps for airline employees are Plan Flight, which addresses fuel management, the major expense of all airlines, and Passenger+ that lets flight crews offer more sophisticated travel services to passengers during a flight.
For banking industry users, Advise & Grow gives bankers mobile, secure authorization to access client profiles, gather analytics-based insights to make personalized recommendations and complete secure transactions. Trusted Advice allows advisors to manage client portfolios with predictive analytics.
Other apps include the Retention app for insurance industry users, Pick & Pack for retailers and Expert Tech, which taps into native iOS capabilities including FaceTime for access to expertise and location services for route optimization, better productivity as well as improved customer satisfaction.
To supplement the new suite of applications, Apple and IBM said they would offer business customers additional levels of integrated enterprise mobility services, including:
Mobile platform and enterprise integration. Enhanced mobile management includes a private app catalog, data and transaction security services and productivity suite for all IBM MobileFirst for iOS solutions. The services would also be available on Bluemix—IBM’s development platform on the IBM Cloud Marketplace, the company said.
Supply, activate and manage. Streamlined end-to-end procurement, deployment and lifecycle management at scale, along with cloud solutions for enterprise security, device management and data and process integration.
AppleCare for the enterprise. Provides IT departments and end users with 24/7 assistance for their devices from Apple’s customer support group, with on-site service delivered by IBM.
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