Apple and IBM's push of the MobileFirst collection of apps into workplaces will not go unanswered, as Google and consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers announce their surge into the enterprise sector.
Already using Google's enterprise apps internally, PwC now will use its market insight to help other companies leverage the search engine company's cloud-based productivity apps and maximize the effectiveness of the tools.
Amit Singh, president of Google for Work, says millions of companies of all sizes already consult with Google on solutions to maximize productivity and transform operations.
"We're delighted to enter into a relationship with PwC - a leading adviser for businesses around the world - to bring the best of Google to work and help companies innovate," says Singh. "It's great to see PwC lead by example, accelerating their own journey to the cloud that will lead to enhanced collaboration, greater speed and, ultimately, transform their business for the digital era."
Right now, PwC is helping 40,000 people in the U.S. transition to Google for Work apps and is transitioning 4,000 individuals in Australia to the productivity tools. PwC says it will share its business insights with Google to help the search engine company refine existing software and create new apps.
Along with helping companies better leverage Google for Work apps, PwC and Google will also help businesses develop more effective means of collaborating with other organizations. Ultimately, the partnership is about helping companies use Google for Work apps to adapt to the disruptive elements in their respective industries.
"For our clients, acquiring the knowledge most important to their operations, securing that information and using it optimally are critical - now more than ever before," said Mike Burwell, PwC's vice chairman for transformation. "PwC is teaming with Google to offer our joint knowledge and capabilities to clients - giving them one place to go, maximizing experience and assets from both organizations."
Back on the other side of the field, Apple and IBM revealed their MobileFirst initiative was primed for launch this November. For its part in the partnership, IBM will supercharge iOS apps with the powers of big data and analytics in an effort to propel workplace productivity to new heights.
"iPhone and iPad are the best mobile devices in the world and have transformed the way people work with over 98 percent of the Fortune 500 and over 92 percent of the Global 500 using iOS devices in their business today," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "For the first time ever, we're putting IBM's renowned big data analytics at iOS users' fingertips, which opens up a large market opportunity for Apple. This is a radical step for enterprise and something that only Apple and IBM can deliver."
