Apple and SAP join forces to create new apps for business and professionals
Tech giants Apple and SAP today announced a tie-up that will see the companies create apps for business customers using iPhones and iPads.
Apple and SAP said they will combine “powerful native apps for iPhone and iPad with the cutting-edge capabilities of the SAP HANA platform”, which will be used by professionals ranging from company directors to doctors.
The two firms are also planning to create a new iOS software development kit which will allow businesses, designers and developers to build their own apps.
The move follows Apple's disappointing results for the second quarter of 2016, during which it recorded revenue of $50.6bn (£34.7bn), below the expected $52bn, as sales of iPhones dropped by 10m compared to the same period a year ago.
“Workers across industries will be empowered to access the critical enterprise data, processes and user experience they need to make decisions and take action right from their iPhone or iPad through apps designed to enable a field maintenance worker to order parts or schedule service, or a doctor to share the latest patient data with other healthcare professionals,” the companies said.
“We’re proud to take this special partnership between Apple and SAP to a groundbreaking new place,” said Bill McDermott, SAP’s chief executive. “In giving people an agile and intuitive business experience, we empower them to know more, care more and do more. “Apple and SAP share a commitment to shaping the future, helping the world run better and improving people’s lives.”
Apple boss Tim Cook added: “This partnership will transform how iPhone and iPad are used in enterprise by bringing together the innovation and security of iOS with SAP’s deep expertise in business software.”