Apple is introducing a new volume purchase program for mobile applications that promises to give IT departments a streamlined method for securely acquiring and deploying business-to-business (B2B) software across the iPhones and iPads throughout their organizations. Though Apple’s mobile app sales only currently account for about one percent of revenue, the new program is expected to help boost Apple’s app sales right across large U.S. enterprises, government agencies and organizations.
Moreover, Apple’s new bulk app strategy may help the company quickly build the same level of brand loyalty within the U.S. enterprise space that the iconic device maker already enjoys among consumers. According to a recent survey conducted by Futuresource Consulting, 54 percent of iPhone owners in the U.S. and U.K. indicated their commitment to the Apple brand because of their desire to retain the mobile apps they have come to depend upon.
There are about 425,000 apps currently available from the Apple App Store versus about 200,000 in the Android Market, according to Piper Jaffray. “The App Store brings new features to Apple’s iOS devices and creates a virtuous cycle driving sales of iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches,” Piper Jaffray analysts Gene Munster and Andrew Murphy explained.
Secure Purchasing and Management
To help boost enterprise adoption, Apple plans to offer business-to-business apps that are customized to meet the individual needs of enterprise-class customers. For example, Apple said it intends to work with its third-party developers and business partners to address the individual interface and business process requirements of large organizations, as well as offer full compatibility with their unique back-office environments.
What’s more, IT departments will be able to control which workers become activated by providing app redemption codes in an e-mail or from an internally hosted web site. And Apple noted that 19 third-party mobile device management… More info
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