Apple combines business platforms into 'Apple Business'
It is the ultimate culmination.
Apple announced today a new business MDM tool meant for all Apple OSes called Apple Business. This new system combines what were separate, scattershot products for business device management into one, centralized program. Launching early next month, the service brings the simplicity from Apple Business Essentials and other, more advanced features from Apple Business Connect and Apple Business Manager, into an all-in-one free tool.
The free nature of the platform is the most interesting part, as we only got Apple Business Essentials, a paid (still low-cost) Business management service a handful of years ago. However, all Apple Business Essentials plans go free starting in early April, with the combination of the previous Business features and tools.
Apple Business contains essentially everything that is found in Apple Business Essentials and other MDM services, like managed Apple Accounts, app distribution, better onboarding and security and updates, along with much more. With these features comes the long-awaited Apple Maps Ads. It all makes sense, as the new Apple Business platform comes with built-in tools to market your business on Maps. The branding for each business is also more unified, with your logo being placed more thoughtfully, like on Tap to Pay on iPhone.
All of this comes, again, at no cost, which is the biggest merit to Apple's system. The deep control and usability of their software allows for a better, more unified ecosystem. Apple Business can enable more unified experiences and control for businesses.
Apple Business looks to be a great new MDM software platform from Apple, which aims to centralize the handful of previous platforms for device management. The new advertising tools and management features allow for better control and usability for businesses. We will have to wait and see what Apple does soon.
