Australian mobile virtual network operator Macquarie Telecom on Friday announced a new partnership with Apple that will see the carrier deliver iPhones, iPads and apps to small and medium-sized enterprise customers.
While not the first Australian MVNO to team up with Apple, Macquarie plans to target SMEs with an offering of "bespoke" and readily available iOS apps, according to a press release. As part of the deal, the company will carry Apple hardware like iPhone and iPad.
"This offering will help mid-sized businesses in Australia experience the power and value of Apple," said Macquarie Telecom executive Luke Clifton. "We're backing the best devices for business coupled with native apps that will see our customers become more mobile, increase productivity and solve more business problems."
Initially, Macquarie's new business venture will focus on Apple products and business apps, with later expansions expected to deliver a device enrollment program integrated with Apple Business Manager.
Announced in 2018, Apple Business Manager is an extension of Apple's mobile device management platform with support for the company's Device Enrollment Program (DEP) and the Volume Purchase Program (VPP). The technology enables IT teams to automate mass device deployments, purchase and distribute content, delegate administrative privileges within a network, supervise and automate device configurations and more from a web-based interface.
Ingram Micro will manage hardware distribution for Macquarie, reports CRN.
Apple products will enter Macquarie channels on Aug. 23, the company said.