Smaller Enterprises Can Now Affordably Manage And Secure Devices Like Large Enterprises

On March 31st, 2022, Apple officially announced general availability of its Business Essentials offering for organizations with up to 500 employees.  Business Essentials provides device management features such as setup, on boarding, backup, security, support and updates for devices such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.  Varying plan levels are based on number of devices and amount of storage. 

The beta program launched November of 2021 was available to thousands of customers who shaped the final offering and includes a series of offerings based on flexible subscription plan levels per user for (see Figure 1):

• Device management
• 24/7 Apple support
• iCloud storage

When bundled with the AppleCare+ for Business Essentials, customers gain new features based on flexible subscription plan levels per user:

• Increased storage
• Repair credits
• Onsite repairs
• 24/7support

Figure 1. Apple Business Essentials and AppleCare+ for Business Essentials Pricing Plans

Source: Apple

The Bottom Line: SMB Customers Win With Apple's Hardware Plus Services Strategy

Smaller organizations finally get much needed IT support for their workers that large enterprises have had at reasonable price points.  Given the dirth of IT expertise and talent, Apple Business Essentials and AppleCare+ for Business Essentials levels the playing field for organizations with up to 500 employees.  Moreover, the overall strategy provides much needed end to end device life cycle services for small and medium organizations.  As Apple continues to build out its enterprise strategy, the hardware plus services strategy will continue to grow loyalty while improving revenue per device.

Your POV

Will you sign up for Apple Business Essentials to manage your Apple devices in the enterprise? Will this improve your ability to onboard employees and manage devices?  What do you think of the service?

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