Apple launches aggressive expansion

Apple Inc has launched its most aggressive expansion yet, hiring a dedicated sales force to talk to potential clients like Citigroup Inc, and is working closely with a dozen or so developers, Reuters reported citing two sources familiar with its plans.

According to experts, Apple hoped to offset a gradual slow down in growth - highlighted by declining iPad sales over three straight quarters - by expanding its footprint in the workplace.

Three months after it unveiled a partnership with IBM to develop apps for corporate clients, and selling them on devices, the iPhone maker's plans to challenge sector leaders Hewlett-Packard, Dell Inc, Oracle and SAP are starting to take shape, the report said.