Apple and IBM, once fierce rivals, are partners now in business apps

Apple largely shunned partnerships with its tech brethren . But Tech's odd couple are now opposites with a lot in common said USA Today.

They are two very different companies, occupying different spaces in the market and rarely competing. Apple got into smartphones and tablets, IBM into enterprise computing, health care and security.

Apple and IBM now plan to create business apps for mobile devices.They aim to to develop scores of business apps that will marry Big Blue's big data capabilities to Apple's user-friendly iPads and iPhones.

The business enterprise partnership aims to "redefine the way work will get done, address key industry mobility challenges and spark true mobile-led business change,'' the companies said in a joint statement.

Appearing on business cable channel CNBC, IBM chief executive Virginia Rometty and Apple CEO Tim Cook said the companies were working on more than 100 business software programs for Apple's iOS operating system, which will be available this autumn.

Rometty said the apps would address specific industry needs, such as helping airline pilots save fuel, and could be used in a wide range of business applications, turning iPads and smart phones into money-saving tools.

"This can save 10 per cent to 15 per cent for an airline deployed widely,'' Rometty said.

Apple shares rose $1.51 to $96.83 in after-market trading. IBM gained $3.41 to $191.90 with the companies having been working together on the venture for several months.

"We are in independent positions of strength," Bridget van Kralingen, senior vice president of global business service at IBM, told USA Today. "We are the gold standards for enterprise (IBM), and consumer and design (Apple)."

Apple's first major joint venture partnership in years is "absolutely huge, it's landmark,'' Cook said. "It takes the best of IBM and Apple. There's no overlap. It's totally complementary.''

Tim Cook was once North American fulfillment director for IBM's personal computer company in the Americas.

"They really do complement each other," said Richard Doherty, director of the Envisioneering Group, a research consulting firm. "This seems to be one of these rare win-win-win things. I just see less indecision and more satisfaction and maybe people at work getting to enjoy an iPad on the company's dime instead of them having to go out and buy it."

The Apple-IBM partnership "is a landmark agreement," said Forrester Research analyst Frank Gillett. "Given IBM's market strength and coverage, this partnership gives Apple enterprise capabilities and credibility at one stroke — and gives IBM a premium advantage in the race for mobile enterprise leadership."