Apple’s latest enterprise partner is Deloitte

Following partnerships with Cisco, IBM, and SAP, today Apple announced that it has struck a deal with major consulting firm Deloitte.

As a result Deloitte is forming an “Apple practice” that includes more than 5,000 advisors, but it also will collaborate with Apple on a new program, EnterpriseNext, to bolster adoption of iOS-compliant hardware, software, and services. The EnterpriseNext program could lead to many new iOS apps being developed, partly because Deloitte will provide companies with the necessary iOS developers and designers.

“The new offering will help customers discover the highest impact possibilities within their industries and quickly develop custom solutions through rapid prototyping,” Apple said in a statement.

It might not be the most top of mind, but Apple is increasingly focused on making its devices a good choice for work inside big companies. After years of effort Apple managed to get Macs widely accepted in the workplace alongside Windows PCs, and now the focus is more on the company’s mobile platform, even if it is certainly widely adopted in general.

“As the leader in digital transformation strategy, Deloitte is an ideal partner that brings a team of Apple-dedicated strategic advisors to help clients truly revolutionize how they work using iOS, iPhone and iPad,” Apple chief executive Tim Cook is quoted as saying in the statement. “iPhone and iPad are transforming how people everywhere get work done. And through this partnership, we’re able to help even more businesses tap into the incredible capabilities that only the Apple ecosystem can deliver.”

Even though IBM wasn’t part of this announcement, as a company that Apple previously announced a partnership with, IBM did feel compelled to issue a statement, making sure to point out that it “remains Apple’s only global strategic partner”:

This further validates the market we established with Apple over two years ago,” IBM said. “Since that time, IBM has built a billion-dollar-revenue business and delivered a total platform for enterprise mobility — web services for security, device management and Watson analytics — all front-ended by more than 100 made-for-business apps that are transforming the nature of work. As a result, IBM and Apple are doing transformative work around the globe, with clients that include Air Canada, Boots UK, Amica Insurance and Scandinavian Airlines.

Update at 1:59 p.m. Pacific: Added comment from IBM.