Apple is apparently offering discounts to at last some iBooks publishers as part of a new iTunes VIP program, reports “TUAW” (http://macte.ch/PrSPL).

These discounts — available via iTunes Connect — appear to be exclusive to the iBooks program, the article adds. Discounts range from US$500 off the base Mac Pro down to $60 off the base Mac mini. The discount is for two computers, two iPods (which appear to include iPads, etc.) and one Apple TV, adds “TUAW.”

Designed for Apple developers, iTunes Connect is a suite of web-based tools that allow you to submit and manage your apps for distribution on the App Store and Mac App Store. In iTunes Connect you can check the status of your contracts, set up your tax and banking information, obtain sales and finance reports, request promotional codes, and manage users, apps, metadata, and your In-App Purchase catalog.