By Stephen Nellis

(Reuters) – Apple Inc (NASDAQ) launched Wednesday a subscription service that helps small businesses manage Apple devices owned by employees.

Apple calls the service Business Essentials. It is similar to management software used by companies like Microsoft Corp For large businesses, VMware (NYSE) and NASDAQ:) Inc are available to set up and protect their mobile devices. Apple offers a simplified version for companies with 50 to 500 employees who have a small or no IT department.

The price per month will vary depending on the number of devices that a business needs to keep track of for employees and how much cloud storage it requires.

Apple will offer an optional service that repairs or replaces hardware within four hours for an additional monthly charge. The company did not specify pricing but said the service is available.

“Time is of the essence – for small businesses, it’s one of their most valuable resources,” Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of enterprise and education marketing, told Reuters in an interview. As they grow in size, their time is more important. They may choose to focus on running the business or doing what they have to.

Maribel Lopez, principal analyst and founder at Lopez Research said that the unique combination of management software, a repair subscription, is a first in its kind.

She said, “People will think this part is irrelevant. But I believe they underestimate the power to be able to receive really great service.”

Apple stated that Business Essentials will begin to be tested in the United States starting Wednesday. The service will then remain available for free up until next year. Executives said that Apple intends to extend it to other countries in the future.