Cisco and Apple Announce Business Communications Partnership
Cisco and Apple Announce Business Communications Partnership by Robbie Pleasant
Cisco and Apple have announced a new partnership, wherein they’ll create a “fast lane” for iOS business users. The partnership aims to turn the iPhone into a greater business communications and collaboration tool, by providing a more efficient network and performance, and a seamless experience between the user’s iPhone and desk phone.
In order to meet higher demands on corporate infrastructure, the two companies are optimizing their networks and devices so that they can work together with greater efficiency and reliability. Cisco networks for iOS devices and apps will be optimized, and the iPhone will gain improved integration with Cisco enterprise environments, so as to enhance the user experience and productivity.
Cisco will provide new experiences designed for iOS, spanning across mobile, cloud, and premises-based collaboration tools. The goal is to provide seamless team collaboration through tools such as Cisco Spark, Cisco Telepresence, and Cisco WebEx across Apple’s devices and software platforms.
However, the specific details as to what this entails are still left vague. The companies have announced that they will optimize Cisco networks for iOS devices and apps, integrate iPhones with Cisco environments, and provide unique collaboration capabilities, but there is little word on what those capabilities are, or what the integration entails.
“Exactly what or how this will play out is anyone’s guess for now,” says Dave Michels, UC Expert for UCStrategies. “My initial impression is it is better for Apple than Cisco because it gives Apple more enterprise credibility. I don’t see what Cisco will do differently than what it’s already doing, and I don’t see Cisco alienating non-iOS vendors or users. Though it does make Cisco more hip.”
There will undoubtedly be more information and details in the future, as the partnership progresses. For now, we can remain cautiously optimistic as more news is made available.
For more information, visit www.cisco.com and www.apple.com.
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