The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple is partnering with more than forty companies, including many mobile development firms, in a bid to make the iPad more appealing to enterprise and small business customers. In recent months iPad sales have been declining, and tapping the business market may represent a way to reverse that trend.
Apple has reportedly invited some of these new partners to participate in sales training and to present at the Apple sales conference, which in the past have involved only Apple staff. In addition, Apple is said to be acting as a match maker, helping businesses find apps that will meet their needs and encouraging developers with complementary apps to work together.
An Apple spokesperson said that these partners ?are developing iOS solutions across industries that will empower employees and usher in a new era of productivity.?
