This would not have happened if Steve Jobs was still around

by Volker Weber

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Apple:

CUPERTINO, California and ARMONK, New York-July 15, 2014—Apple and IBM today announced an exclusive partnership that teams the market-leading strengths of each company to transform enterprise mobility through a new class of business apps—bringing IBM’s big data and analytics capabilities to iPhone® and iPad®.


IBM:

Mobile devices have transformed our personal lives. And soon, they’ll transform the way we work. IBM and Apple are joining forces to bring businesses the devices, services, security, and integration they need to exploit the full potential of mobility.

Steve hated IBM and enterprise computing. Enterprise sales are difficult and time consuming. The buyer is not the user. Steve hated IBM to the point where he wanted to sue IBM for making Lotus Traveler.

Tim is different. He is an enterprise guy. And he sees the synergies between a company that makes the favorite manager 'toys' and a company that can deliver the software and services needed for business.

This is potentially bad news for Microsoft. They are defending from the personal productivity angle and a strong desktop foothold. Apple and IBM have just raised the stakes.

Google? They are not in the game yet.

Comments

I think this is potentially bad news for Apple too, because many users love their iOS device so much because it is not restricted by enterprise policies. If Apple made concessions in this area to IBM, the users will no longer prefer ios devices over blackberries our other Policy controlled devices from other manufacturers.

Ralf M Petter, 2014-07-16

These controls are already in place and in use. The difference is that policies have changed a lot to allow for more personal use. In "old" BlackBerry environments the rules have been certified many years ago and were never changed.

I don't see anything negative in this cooperation.

Volker Weber, 2014-07-16

You could argue that Microsoft is already in the game, considering the awesome integration of office on the iOS devices.

Frank Quednau, 2014-07-16

Indeed he is an enterprise guy - he was an IBM Executive.

Martin Hiegl, 2014-07-16

I'm not trying to change anyone's mind, just calling it the way I see it. If you're a vendor (ISV), you just want to reach customers, the h/w technology is a double edged sword. Both a barrier and a channel. IBM paid $70M(?) for Worklight. This is their device independent platform to deliver apps. I vaguely recall something IBM said.... that's it "MOBILE FIRST!". Wasn't that the whole point ?

So, IBM has been a java shop for like, forever. So, the connection (pardon the pun), between skills and platform should be obvious. Yes, why not Android ? We all know it was a fragmented mess, but this is rapidly changing as people renew the devices through contracts and retiring old h/w to run new apps. Version 4.x has matured the platform.

If the measure of the mobile platform wars is anything to go by, Android is killing everyone through new device activations as the market grows. Apple still owns the tablet market, but Android is gaining ground, (BTW I own an iPad and a Google Nexus).

I know that iOS is (currently) preferred by business, but what about BYOD ? This announcement speaks to a segment of your available market. Companies don't want to buy people phones or tablets any more. The choice between a $100 (Android) or $400 (iOS) tablet is obvious.

So, if you want to make sure you can reach as many customers, you'd think Android would be it, No ? IBM has the skills and Android has significant market share. Sounds like a natural evolution to me.

As Steve Jobs turns in his grave, this unholy alliance between sworn enemies seems to be a marketing and brand exercise. Trying to keep MS out ? Blackberry no longer a going concern.

I don't see anything new and substantial in the statements. IBM already has alot of iOS apps out there before this announcement, so it will be interesting to see if this actually goes anywhere, in the meantime, mind the splashback of this mutual love-fest of former enemeis.

Giulio Campobassi, 2014-07-17

Re: Jobs hated IBM: I think he despised Microsft even more.

Lars Berntrop-Bos, 2014-07-17

Lol. The "Lisa" incident..yes i agree.

Giulio Campobassi, 2014-07-17

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