While the focus of the media was firmly trained on the launch of Apple’s
eagerly anticipated follow-up to the iPad tablet, the iPad 2, the company also
quietly rolled out a program called Joint Venture, designed to help businesses
use Mac, iPhone and iPad devices to improve the way businesses run.
The program, which offers a variety of services traditionally performed by the
channel, helps businesses set up new Apple products, trains employees to
optimize performance and offers a dedicated support team. Apple will also
transfer existing data—including mail, calendar and address book—from a PC or
Mac, and install any additional software purchased from the Apple Retail Store
or the Apple Online Store.
The Joint Venture Website gives businesses access to Joint Venture services,
including schedule training, appointment bookings and tech support, and it allows
users to sign up for workshops.
Joint Venture starts at $499 when businesses buy a new Mac and supports up
to five systems. Site administrators can register and access systems, invite
team members to join and schedule workshops, while employees can schedule a setup
or tune-up, book a priority call with a Genius, and sign up for workshops.
Businesses can schedule up to three two-hour sessions of training at the Apple
Store for employees. The trainers lead hands-on workshops on a variety of
topics—like getting started on a Mac, using the iPhone and iPad for business,
and creating presentations with Keynote, and they will work with individual
businesses for customization.
“These monthly group workshops are tailored to business professionals who are
working with a Mac for the first time or need to brush up on the basics,” the
company’s Website outlined. “So as you add employees throughout the year, we’ll
show them everything they need. We also offer special workshops for your IT
department and will help them build a plan for supporting Apple products in
your business.”
In addition, the program runs system diagnostics, updates software, will clean
your keyboard and display, and offers a loaner program for a MacBook Pro or a
MacBook Air loaded with Mail, iCal, iWork, iLife and Microsoft Office if an
office computer needs an update or repair.
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SMB Partner 
