UXC Connect partners with Apple for business play

Apple has appointed UXC Connect as a premier reseller partner in a move that will see the vendor's mostly consumer orientated products, including the iPad, offered to businesses across the country.

UXC Connect, a division of the ASX-listed systems integrator UXC, finalised the deal earlier this year after approaching Apple before the May 28 release of the iPad.

Iggy Pintado, director of marketing at UXC Connect, said UXC approached Apple as part of its strategy to offer "a full range" of products.

"We do a combination of things. We listen to customers and if they are prepared to and want to review the Apple environment then we will talk to them," he said.

Apple's local spokesperson denied the partnership was an Apple play for business customers.

"UXC Connect is much like other premium resellers, it just happens to be a systems integrator," the spokesperson said.

Fujitsu is also an Apple premium reseller [and systems integrator], Apple said.

iPad

As a premium Apple reseller, UXC Connect, formerly known as UXC Getronics Australia, has Apple's authorisation to sell the iPad. 

To take the tablet to business customers, the integrator has armed its sales staff  with iPads to use and demonstrate to clients. 

"We see the iPad as great [for] productivity. And we've had interest in reviewing it [from customers].  It's been very positive," he said.

"It's still very early days but it's something we bring to the table."

Pintado said UXC Connect sees a "great potential" for the iPad in health, education, utilities and government.

Additionally he said an increase in productivity apps such as Keynote for presentations is driving growth of the tablet device in the business sector.

UXC Connect is also developing business-oriented applications for the iPad internally.

"We're finding more and more business apps. We're leveraging the UXC Group brand to provide customised application development with Oracle, Microsoft and SAP."

Apple has not authorised the integrator to also sell the iPhone but Pintado said this may change.

"Part of our strategy is to look at innovation, we'll continue to talk to them."

Apple's authorised resellers are yet to be given the permission to sell the popular device.