IT firm CDW adds support for Apple Business Essentials
Apple Business Essentials is a full suite of services for enterprise users, and now the IT firm CDW is moving to the program.
Apple Business Essentials multi-device support
Apple's Business Essentials program is a service that offers up iCloud storage, device management, and access to Apple Support for enterprise customers. It launched in 2021, and it's meant for small businesses with up to 500 employees using Apple devices.
As first spotted by 9to5Mac, the IT firm CDW announced on Tuesday that it will be using Apple Business Essentials for all of its clients. This will make it easy for the firm's customers to sign up for the service, which comes with two free months.
With Apple Business Essentials, CDW clients using the service can easily back up data with dedicated iCloud accounts. Onboarding with a company is simple with managed Apple IDs, and the service brings additional security options with FileVault.
Per the announcement, Apple's vice president of enterprise product marketing Susan Prescott said:
"Apple has a long history of helping small businesses thrive with the world's best products and services, and we're excited that CDW is enhancing the great work it does for small businesses by making Apple Business Essentials available to its customers. Apple Business Essentials makes managing iPad, and Mac as easy as using them, allowing companies to focus on running and growing their business."
Apple Business Essentials onboarding
Apple Business Essentials also includes on-site repair services, 24/7 support, and more. Prices start at $2.99 per device per month, or up to $24.99 per device per month, depending on storage and support requirements.
While Apple Business Essentials launched in late 2021, it only became available for all small businesses in the United States in early 2022.
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Comments
US$2.99/mth covers one device but you can add AppleCare+ and get one repair credit for US$6.99/mth. iCloud storage tier is 50GB.
US$6.99/mth covers one user (for a maximum of three devices); adding AC+ gets you two repair credits for US$19.99/mth. iCloud storage tier of 200GB.
US$12.99/mth covers one user/three devices, AC+ with two repair credits is US$24.99/mth. iCloud storage tier of 2TB.
Compare to just the iCloud storage pricing:
US$0.99/mth for 50GB
US$2.99/mth for 200GB
US$9.99/mth for 2TB
I couldn't find a definitive source of AC+ pricing (and the price depends on the device being covered), but an average of US$9.99/mth seems a reasonable guess.
So not only do you get a device management solution with enterprise-specific Apple IDs for a maximum of $2/device/mth, you get a discount on AppleCare+ if you choose that bundle.