Apple announces Business Essentials IT management service
- Business Essentials combines device management, storage, repairs, and more for small businesses.
- The service is available in a public beta today and will be launched to the public in the spring.
Apple today announced a new IT management service geared towards small businesses. Apple Business Essentials combines device management, 24/7 phone support, business iCloud storage, and options for onsite device repairs for businesses that have up to 500 employees. The service will launch a free beta today, with the full, paid service launching to the public next year.
Within Apple Business Essentials, Collections enable IT personnel to configure settings and apps for individual users, groups, or devices. When employees sign in to their corporate or personally owned device with their work credentials, Collections automatically push settings such as VPN configurations and Wi-Fi passwords. In addition, Collections will install the new Apple Business Essentials app on each employee’s home screen, where they can download corporate apps assigned to them, such as Cisco Webex or Microsoft Word.
Through Apple Business Essentials, IT departments can manage app downloads, updates, and more for company devices. When employees sign in with their work credentials, important information such as WiFi networks and other settings will be automatically enabled. Users will also have access to work iCloud accounts that include advanced storage and backups, as well as a way to collaborate with others via the iWork apps.
A new AppleCare+ plan for Business Essentials adds 24/7 support for both IT teams and company employees and includes two device repairs per plan every year. Onsite device repairs are available and can be initiated directly by company employees rather than IT managers. AppleCare+ for Business Essentials is not available during the service's free beta.
Through Apple Business Essentials, businesses can cover every employee and device. Plans are customizable, and each user can have up to three devices with up to 2TB of secure iCloud storage. The starting price is $2.99 per month, with added costs for optional AppleCare+ for Business Essentials. Prices range from $2.99 to as high as $12.99 per month.
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