Apple may announce a small business support plan at tomorrow's iPad event

Both Apple and Google are excelling in the consumer sectors. But in the corporate sphere, RIM and Microsoft still reign supreme. In the spirit of improving their enterprise credibility, Apple is working on a new small business support plan called Joint Venture.

According to Apple Insider, Apple held a secretive meeting for all their retail employees, where they briefed them on the new enterprise support plan. Joint Venture will reportedly be a priority service plan that will start at US$500 per year for 5 devices. When you purchase an Apple device for your small business, and add Joint Venture, you will enjoy a number of convenient perks.

Joint Venture will run with the tagline of "Get Setup. Get Trained. Keep running." Apple technicians will come to your office and set up your network, including Microsoft Exchange configuration. You will also get priority service at the Genius Bar, as well as a direct line to Genius-staffed technical support. When your devices are being repaired for longer than 24 hours, they will even lend you Apple devices in the meantime.

Perhaps the greatest service of Joint Venture is the on-site training sessions. With up to 3 sessions per year, and 8 people per session, you can make sure that your business won't lag due to a lack of education. Of course, this plan is remarkably similar to AppleOne and the ProCare service plan. The difference is that it's an affordable solution for an Apple-based business.

source: AppleInsider via PCMag