Apple Wants SAP Software On Enterprise iPhones

Apple is reportedly working with SAP to ensure that enterprise users of its smartphones and tablets can use SAP software on the devices.

Reports in The New York Times Thursday (May 5) said Apple and SAP have launched a collaboration to develop iOS-friendly SAP software, the firms announced. It marks the latest collaboration for Apple in a recent effort to focus on corporate clients.

SAP explained that it will be working to create mobile business apps for Apple devices that run on its HANA software platform. While the company said 87 percent of the world’s 2,000 largest firms already use SAP software, it said it is looking to encourage multinational companies to migrate from in-house to cloud-based software.

Last year, SAP rolled out a cloud-based version of HANA to stay on top of corporate use of software for ERP and other business operations.

The firm’s solutions range from supply chain management and manufacturing tools to human resources and accounting.

While Apple has worked to establish itself among consumers as the top mobile device brand, the company only recently began embracing its traction in the enterprise.

Last year, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that its enterprise operations yield $25 billion in revenue, worth about 14 percent of the company’s overall revenue, according to reports.

“This is not a hobby. This is a real business,” Cook said of Apple’s B2B operations at the time.