Apple and SAP have forged an alliance that will help developers create apps for enterprise customers using iPhones and iPads.
The companies will deliver native apps for the iPhone and iPad that tap the SAP HANA platform, as well as a new iOS software development kit.
SAP will develop native iOS apps using Apple’s Swift programming language.
The apps will be designed to allow a field maintenance worker to order parts or schedule service, or a doctor to share the latest patient information with other health care workers.
Users can get access to core data and business processes on SAP S/4HANA, and take advantage of iPhone and iPad features such as Touch ID, Location Services and Notifications.
A new design language will integrate SAP Fiori user interface with a consumer-grade iOS experience, allowing developers to develop next-generation apps.
SAP boasts a global community of more than 2.5 million developers, and a new SAP Academy for iOS will provide them tools and training.
The new SDK, design language and academy will start operations by the end of this year.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said: "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."
SAP CEO Bill McDermott said: "By combining the powerful capabilities of SAP HANA Cloud Platform and SAP S/4HANA, together with iOS, the leading and most secure mobile platform for enterprise, we will help deliver live data to people wherever and whenever they choose to work."
The partnership is part of Cook’s strategy to sell more iPhones and iPads to corporations and large organisations.
The alliance plays a key role after Apple reported a 13% decline in its revenue to $50.6bn for the second quarter of its fiscal year. It is the company’s first fall in revenue since 2003.
iPhone sales fell to 51.2 million, from 61.2 million in the same quarter of last year. iPad sales have declined for nine consecutive quarters.
To build better sales partnerships with companies, Apple has teamed up with various enterprise giants such as IBM, Microsoft, and Cisco.
Last year, Cook said revenue from the company’s enterprise business reached $25bn for the 12 months ended June 2015.
