This top 5 Apple MDM platforms post is presented by Hexnode.

With the surge in recent years of employees working via smartphones, tablets and laptops from all over the place, it’s no surprise mobile device management, aka MDM, has become a crucial tool for organizations large and small. Then add in the near-ubiquity of cloud computing and software-as-a-service (SaaS) apps, plus companies letting employees use their own devices (BYOD). It all equals MDM becoming an unavoidable part of IT security. Ignore it at your own risk.

Apple has entered into a new partnership with Salesforce to deliver new iOS apps focused on business.

Salesforce is redesigning its app and adding exclusive new features as part of the deal, while Apple has vowed to provide tools and resources to help millions of Salesforce developers create their own native apps for iOS.

Apple plans to expand its presence in the corporate sector by teaming with Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the United Kingdom, a new job listing reveals.

Similar partnerships are already in place with the likes of IBM, Cisco, and SAP. Apple is now seeking a strategic partner manager who will lead its new efforts with HPE from London.

Building construction is an immensely complex process. The firm Rogers-O’Brien uses hundreds of iPads to simplify it, while saving 55,000 hours of employee time and $1.8 million annually.

All the paperwork involved is stored in the cloud where it can be accessed at any time. This means someone in the office can make a change and the people in the field can immediately see the updated document.

IBM is expanding its efforts to be the go-to company for mobile enterprise software by opening up new Garages that will serve as hubs for the quick design and deployment of MobileFirst apps.

Apple and IBM created the MobileFirst partnership three years ago as a way to push iPhone and iPads into the enterprise markets by coupling them with software built by IBM. With the expansion of new Garages, more international business will have access to the companies’ business tools.

iPad sales might be falling, but Apple’s tablet still outsells Android-powered rivals. Google hopes to change that by launching new Chrome OS slates that have the ability to run Android apps.

Apple revealed that it is making a deeper push into enterprise today with the help of the business consulting firm Deloitte.

The partnership between the two companies will lead to the creation of Deloitte’s first-ever “Apple practice.” Deloitte’s new Apple team will be comprised of over 5,000 iOS specialists who will analyze businesses and advise them on the best way to integrate iPhone and iPad into their work environments.

A growing part of Apple’s iPad business is coming from governments and corporations, with almost half of the tablets (particularly high-end models) being bought by this audience, according to a new report from The New York Times.

“Apple is stronger in the enterprise market with its devices than it is with consumers,” Forrester analyst Frank Gillet told the newspaper.

Apple is teaming up with SAP to “revolutionize” mobile working for enterprise customers.

The partnership will see native apps for iPhone and iPad combined with the SAP HANA platform, plus a new iOS SDK and training academy that will help developers build new apps tailored to their business needs.

Apple’s push to become a great company for large companies as well as consumers is getting a big boost this week with the hiring of former Box employee Karen Appleton who has joined the company in an enterprise-focused role.

Appleton revealed last week that she was leaving Box after working with the company since 2007 as employee number 8, but she hasn’t said what exactly she will be doing for Apple.