Apple for business

Reduced support and running costs

Macs are far easier to self-service than PCs, so if minor issues crop up, users are often able to fix the problem themselves. IBM say only 5% of their Mac users need helpdesk support, compared to 40% of their PC users. This saves on time, manpower and operational costs, and leaves your IT team free to get on with more complicated tasks.

Because Apple make both the hardware and operating system, they’re both designed to work together to save energy. In fact, Apple are the only manufacturer whose entire desktop and notebook range meet EPA’s ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Gold standards for better energy usage. 

Fewer viruses and malware

Mac computers are built on a UNIX foundation which makes them virtually virus and spyware-free, and saves you time and money on IT support. Their advanced built-in security measures also include app-based firewalls, VPN clients, strong encryption tools and integrated internet security.

Seamless Windows integration

You get native support for both Apple and Windows-based networks, so you can use your existing PC environments without any compatibility issues, and get support for Microsoft Exchange Server out of the box. You can also run Windows on a Mac, so your end users can get all their familiar Windows tools on an Apple machine, and employees can get the most out of software.

Residual value and cheaper upgrades

Mac has an excellent reputation when it comes to total cost of ownership (TCO). Apple’s software gets regular operating system (macOS) and productivity software (Pages, Numbers, Keynote) updates for free, and the hardware itself is as resilient and hard-wearing as it is good looking.

Collaboration and improved customer experience

With FaceTime included and a range of conferencing apps available, iPad makes it easy for on-the-road employees to check in with the office, attend key meetings and presentations, or even present remotely. There are also plenty of collaborative tools included, from scheduling tools to the iCloud backup service, which allows you to share content seamlessly between devices and locations. 

With an increasing number of service desk apps available on iPad, it’s easier than ever for staff to access customer records, carry out more comprehensive CRM and respond more quickly to queries, from wherever they are.

Four levels of security

iPad has four types of security: device (including passcode, timeout periods and device restrictions such as app downloading); network (secure WiFi and cellular access, and integration with a broad range of VPN technologies for protecting sensitive information); data (built-in hardware encryption using AES 256-bit encoding for preventing data being accessed when the device is locked); and platform (all apps are put under the microscope and ‘sandboxed’, stopping them accessing data in other applications).

Managed, secured, backed up

When it comes to admin, there are an increasing number of mobile device management solutions available that will make it easy for your team to manage, sync, enforce security protocol, back up or even wipe sensitive data on mobile devices.

Employee satisfaction

While there’s no denying that apps play a big part in driving productivity on iPad, the simple fact is that workers are more likely to engage with a device that’s fun, simple to use, easy to customise and that they feel real ownership over – all of which iPad delivers in spades. iPad helps boost productivity and improve employee satisfaction (who doesn’t enjoy using an iPad?), without making things too complex for your IT team, which in turn improves all-round employee retention.

Platform and apps

On top of being beautifully designed, Apple’s iOS mobile operating system is also incredibly simple to use. Built-in communication features such as iMessage, FaceTime and Mail help you keep in contact with clients and colleagues wherever you are, AirPlay lets you present from anywhere, all while Touch ID lets you safeguard your critical data with just a fingerprint.

As well as communication apps, every iPhone comes with a powerful set of apps that are great for business built right in, such as Calendar, Contacts and Maps. The App Store is also home to thousands of apps that are designed specifically for business, from analysis apps to productivity apps, and we even have an in-house team who have experience developing apps for businesses, including sales tools and more, so can tailor an app specifically to your business needs.

Device integration

One of the biggest benefits of iPhone for business is how it works within Apple’s ecosystem, syncing with Mac and iPad. Continuity features include Handoff, which lets you start a document, email, or message on one device and pick up where you left off on another device. So whether your employees are also using Mac notebooks, iPad or Apple Watch along with their iPhone, all their content and data can be synced between all Apple devices, for a seamless workflow.

Systems integration

With iPhone, you never have to be away from your business systems. Most business applications (such as CRM, ERP, analytics and more) now integrate very well with iOS, so your employees can log into key systems and carry on working while they’re away from their desks. iPhone’s built-in support for key enterprise tech means it will almost always fit in with your existing infrastructure.

Fast deployment

Rolling out iPhone to your business is quick and simple, letting IT teams deploy with zero touch, whether they’re managing corporate-owned or BYOD devices. Because the setup process is so simple, employees can get up and running and accessing all your corporate services straight away. Apple’s Device Enrolment Programme (DEP) also lets IT teams automate MDM enrolment for corporate-owned devices, wirelessly configuring and supervising devices while also automating and locking MDM enrolment.