Aliso Viejo-based logistics software maker Telogis Inc. is placing a big bet on mobile apps in a new partnership with Apple Inc.
The company announced several new business apps last week at its annual Latitude conference in Dana Point that were co-developed with the consumer electronics giant to improve fleet routing, safety, and connectivity, with the ultimate goal of bringing down costs for corporate customers.
“People have been interacting with Apple products, and they want that same experience in the business,” said Telogis co-founder and President Jason Koch. “We’re working with Apple to do that.”
Telogis was one of 40 companies handpicked by the iPhone and iPad maker in its pursuit of the $2 trillion workplace technology market.
Most of Apple’s business partners in the new initiative are considered small or emerging software service makers, although the Cupertino-based company has linked up with IBM and Cisco.
Telogis is one of the fastest-growing private companies in Orange County, with $100 million in annual revenue and 685 employees, including 125 in Aliso Viejo. The company, established in 2001, is OC’s 15th largest software maker based on employee numbers.
The Apple deal is the latest of several key pacts Telogis has forged in the past few years in its ascent in the automotive and fleet-management sectors.
It also has partnerships with some of the world’s largest vehicle and equipment manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors, Isuzu and Manitowoc Cranes.
Telogis’ subscription software relies on GPS technology and analytics to improve fuel use, driver and vehicle performance, shipments and deliveries, routes, and other features.
Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook, in an analyst call last week, identified the corporate segment as a “major growth” area, highlighting a 40% revenue gain in the June quarter to $25 billion.
“They’re trying to get into certain categories on the business side, and they don’t know about the end customer” like Telogis does, Koch said.
The pact brings several benefits to Telogis, including improved mobile security, one of the best supply chains in the world, and expertise in developing smooth smartphone and tablet features with minimal clicks and menus, hallmarks of Apple’s success in the consumer segment.
“It’s not only about the vehicle; it’s about the people. That’s where Apple comes in,” said Koch, highlighting the Apple Watch health app’s ability to monitor driver fatigue, which he said is the top cause of trucking accidents.
Telogis engineers in New Zealand and Austin, Texas, have been working with Apple counterparts for the better part of two years to develop app features. Apple also attended last year’s Latitude conference.
Product managers at Telogis’ Aliso Viejo office have played a key role in syphoning off potential business applications from the glut of features on consumer devices, Koch said.
“We have to pick and choose the right features that deliver business value,” he said. “For us, it’s all about where do we see innovation in the next three to five years. We see it completely on the mobile side.”
