Apple partners with Cisco in enterprise push

Apple has teamed up with network gear maker Cisco Systems to improve the performance of its iPad and iPhone devices on Cisco's corporate network.

Cisco will provide services specially optimised for iOS devices across mobile, cloud, and on premises-based collaboration tools such as Cisco Spark, Cisco Telepresence and Cisco WebEx, the companies said in a statement.

The goal is to provide a 'fast lane' for iOS business users by prioritising wireless connections so critical business applications aren’t compromised by streaming and other non-business activities.

Apple is expanding its foothold in the enterprise arena at a time when iPad sales are shrinking. Cisco, on the other hand, has been investing in products and services such as data analytics software, security and cloud management tools.

Apple's shares were marginally down at US$112.84 in late-afternoon trading, while Cisco was down about 1 percent at US$25.75.