Apple is adding Apple Watch support to IBM enterprise apps, starting with healthcare

By Jonah Comstock
09:58 am
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Apple IBM RN appApple has added Apple Watch support to three of its 22 enterprise apps designed in collaboration with IBM, including its app for nurses, Hospital RN. 9to5Mac first spotted the updates to Apple's enterprise app website.

"The Hospital RN app for iOS gives nurses the power to spend less time tracking down information and more time caring for patients," Apple writes on its website. "It uses iBeacon technology to accurately identify patients by location so nurses can easily find their records and provide appropriate care. Push notifications on iPhone and Apple Watch alert nurses to review new patient requests, changes in lab status, safety alerts, and prioritized task lists for immediate action. And Apple Watch lets nurses quickly view notifications so they can stay more focused on patient care."

So far, the other three healthcare-focused IBM-Apple enterprise apps don't have Apple Watch support. These include Hospital Lead, an iPad app designed to help charge nurses manage the nursing staff; Hospital Tech, an iPhone app for connecting nurse technicians to the rest of the care team; and Home RN, an iPhone app for nurses working in patients' homes or otherwise outside the hospital.

Apple Watch apps were also added to apps for field workers and for police and public safety officials.

Last month, Apple and IBM partnered with Japanese conglomerate Japan Post Group to provide Japanese senior citizens with iPads that they can use to manage their health. Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted to reporters that the rollout in Japan could lead to similar ones in other countries in the future.

In February, Apple began hiring for a handful of positions called "IBM Business Development Executive" in different parts of the country and for different verticals to sell the enterprise apps. The “Healthcare and Retail” executive will be based out of Los Angeles or Seattle and will act as the resident expert on the partnership for Apple’s and IBM’s enterprise sales teams, and as a liaison between sales teams for the two companies.

And on Apple's first quarter earnings call around the same time, CEO Tim Cook said the company was on track to have 100 enterprise apps released by the end of 2015.

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