Office Depot's CompuCom has launched "Device as a Service for Apple," intended to provide businesses not just with support for Apple hardware but the devices themselves, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Businesses pay for the devices in monthly installments, with terms lasting two, three, or four years. In exchange though CompuCom handles procurement, deployment, configuration, technical support, and asset management. End-user tech support does cost extra.
Deployments can be scaled up or down as needed, and CompuCom is promising "reliable and faster" response when devices break, including an "advanced" exchange program. As is relatively common for such services, prices are only available by quote.
Apple was once infamously hesitant to get involved in the enterprise world, preferring to focus on consumer sales. That's changed in recent years, with partnerships extending to companies like Salesforce, Deloitte, and Accenture.
Things kicked off in 2014 through a deal with IBM to deploy tailored iOS apps to other corporations. IBM itself now has a large contingent of Mac and iOS products in its offices.