Apple's enterprise push source of fear for channel - analyst

Partners should be worried about being 'sidelined' by Apple's corporate move according to TechMarketView chairman

The channel should "fear" Apple's push into the enterprise space, according to Richard Holway, chairman of industry watcher TechMarketView.

Apple's move into the corporate world has been highlighted by its recent partnerships with Cisco and IBM, along with the launch of the iPad Pro earlier this month.

Speaking to CRN, Holway said the channel should be wary of these moves by Apple.

"You have to ask whether or not they need them [partners], and I have my doubts. I think this is something of great significance and fear for the channel," he said.

"Apple is moving into a whole range of places and areas. In the past they had a miniscule foothold in the real corporate space. What happened was CEOs brought their iPads and iPhones into work and demanded their applications be used on them.

"More and more companies will find that demand is there, and I think the channel should be worried – they might find that they get sidelined and that is something that they have to bear in mind."

But Holway did say that channel players can profit from this strategy change from Apple, by developing applications that are compatible with its devices.

The business drive from Apple could also be a threat to the traditional channel giants, Holway said.

"This really could be a very important breakthrough and very concerning for the likes of HP and others that make their business from the corporate environment."

You can read more about Apple's corporate push and what it means for the channel in the upcoming issue of CRN.