Finally recognizing the iPad and iPhone as important business tools, Apple has started a new volume purchasing program for businesses.

[ad#Google Adsense 300×250 in story]The Volume Purchase Program lets companies buy apps for iOS devices used by their employees through a corporate credit card or procurement card. Companies interested in the program need to enroll, and need to have a Dun & Bradstreet number.

Companies enrolling in the program are then able to buy volume licenses to apps, for which they receive redemption codes to authorize the app downloads. Documentation provided by Apple tracks when the codes are redeemed.

The Volume Purchase Program also provides a way for businesses to get Business to Business (B2B) apps created by third-party developers. More details, including a downloadable PDF explaining how the program works, are available from Apple.