Apple Inc and German software maker SAP SE has launched a tool for helping developers build iPhone apps for big businesses.
The software tool is set for release on March 30 and is designed to permit developers to easily feed data between SAP's business linked software system and Apple's customer centric iOS mobile platform.
Most of the SAP systems are used on personal computers rather than mobile devices. SAP will change this by working with Apple to make software tools that can access its systems from apps on iPhone or iPad.
The tool can let employees log into business applications with fingerprint readers on iPhones rather than passwords. This could also replace bulky inventory scanning gun used in warehouses with iPhones.
With the iPhone sales diminishing in numbers, Apple has launched partnerships with IBM, Cisco and Deloitte & Touche LLP to help businesses access iOS apps.
SAP partnership also gives iOS developers a way to gain revenue in an era where the App Store's growth is driven by downloads in China and by game makers.
Apple in 2017 said that developers made an amount of USD 20 billion from the app store in 2016, marking an increase of 40% since 2015.
Business apps could help Apple compete efficiently against Microsoft Corp whose window software dominates in the corporate world.
SAP SE: Know More- CEO: Bill McDermott (since 21 May 2014)
- Headquarters: Walldorf, Germany
- Revenue: 22.06 billion EUR (2016)
- Subsidiaries: Hybris, SuccessFactors, Fieldglass, SAP Ariba, etc
