The Corporate Gifting and Rewards Program, announced by Apple today, is aimed at companies that want to award their staff, but also to attract customers, with iPods, iTunes Gift Cards or iPod accessories. Companies are also encouraged to offer iPods pre-loaded with special content to their employees.

"Show your star performers or top customers just how much you appreciate them with an engraved iPod and a protective case or other accessory," Apple says. Companies should note that messages engraved on iPod nano are limited to 2 lines, 29 characters each. As for iPod classic and iPod touch, both of them are limited to the same amount of lines and characters. iPod shuffle, on the other hand, allows only 1 line of 38 characters, while logo engraving isn't available on iPod shuffle, 'cause it's too darn small.

The Cupertino-based electronics maker also includes "customer acquisition and retention" in its program, which is aimed at attracting customers with promotions (iPod or iTunes Gift Card).

[IMG=2]Or, even better, companies can use iPods and iTunes Gift cards to keep customers interested: "Build an even stronger relationship with your best customers by letting them earn points toward an iPod or iTunes Gift Card," Apple suggests. As far as training sessions go, companies are encouraged to let employees learn on the go by offering them an iPod (touch, I presume) featuring pre-loaded content, such as product seminars or other useful content.

Also, Apple is letting companies in on the fact that a portion of every iPod (PRODUCT) RED purchase goes directly to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED or iPod shuffle (PRODUCT) RED are available if you really want to make a difference. Companies can order as many items as they want, but only 50 units for iPod models, in any combination.

Apple notes that iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED and iPod shuffle (PRODUCT) RED may be used only as gifts, therefore cannot be offered as a prize or reward in any kind of promotional activity.