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Apple will soon introduce a new Volume Purchase Program (VPP) for the App Store, allowing businesses to buy iOS apps in bulk, the company announced this week.

"Streamline your purchasing process and put more power and productivity in the hands of your workforce," Apple says on the VPP page. "Every paid app in the App Store is available for businesses to buy in volume through the program Website. Simply search for the apps you need, enter the quantity you want to buy, and complete the transaction with your corporate credit card. Apps are available for purchase at the same price listed in the App Store."

This is an extension of Apple's existing program that lets educational institutions make bulk App Store purchases. Any U.S. business can participate in the program, but they must first enroll and create a volume purchasing account. In order to be eligible the firm must provide contact information of the business, a Dun & Bradstreet number, and a corporate credit card number. Applications bought through this program are processed differently than normal App Store purchases, not through iTunes, but rather through the VPP. While educational institutions get a discount on bulk transactions, businesses do not.

Once registered, the business can purchase apps and distribute them among employees using redemption codes.

The program also provides the option to have custom B2B (business-to-business) apps built "to address a specific business process, integrate with a unique back-office environment, or deliver a custom interface for users," Apple says.

Apple didn't give a launch date for the VPP, but says it's "coming soon."