IBM takes cloud-based IT services to Enterprise Mac space

IBM has announced new cloud-based IT services designed to help organisations integrate Macs with their enterprise systems and applications.

This new offering from IBM MobileFirst Managed Mobility Services is designed to help large enterprises incorporate Macs within their IT infrastructures, a move the tech giant calls “a rising requirement.”

At present, and according to analyst findings, shipments of Macs are growing faster than the industry average, and the Mac has outgrown the PC industry every year for the last decade.

Consequently, these new mobility services for Mac are based on experience IBM gained through its internal Mac IBM program, with IBM deploying Macs to employees around the globe.

The integration services for Mac are delivered via the cloud as a software-as-a-service solution and also are available as an on-premise solution in the client’s data centre.

“Ease of adoption and use are at the foundation of every Apple product, and as these devices are used more in the workplace, people expect the same experience they enjoy with Apple technology in their personal lives,” says Richard Patterson, general manager, Infrastructure Services, IBM Global Technology Services.

“IBM’s new enterprise services ensure a great user experience for clients using Macs, providing world-class support from installation through the life of the product.”

Patterson says the new services feature the Casper Suite from JAMF Software, a software solution for helping clients set up and deploy Macs, including MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, iMac, and Mac Pro.

With the combination of Casper Suite and IBM’s enterprise integration and support services, clients can work with IBM to directly procure, integrate and manage Macs across their IT infrastructures and employee bases.

These services also can support clients who choose to deploy both Macs and iOS devices within their enterprises.

“Today’s announcement is a powerful testament to the growing demand for Apple technology in the enterprise and to the strong relationship between IBM and JAMF to help organisations inventory, deploy and secure their Apple devices,” adds Dean Hager, CEO, JAMF Software.

“This is a great opportunity for us to work with IBM in helping businesses and other large organisations succeed with Apple.”

This new offering is an enhancement to IBM’s MobileFirst services portfolio, specifically designed to support Macs which complements existing IBM enterprise services supporting iOS devices, including iPad and iPhone.