Microsoft announces new Surface programs; states that it has been getting "a lot of interest"

While analysts are stating that Microsoft’s Surface isn’t doing as well as hoped, yesterday the Redmond technology company stated that they have “had a LOT of interest from businesses, schools and universities wanting to use Surface.” Today, Surface is currently available in 29 different markets and over 10,000 physical stores worldwide.

Three major announcement about Surfaces availability in the USA, commercial partnerships, and education were announced.

First, Microsoft is beginning the first phase of an expansion plan into business channels that will allow purchasing through authorized resellers. The list of resellers include CDW, CompuCom Systems, En Pointe Technologies, Insight Enterprises, SHI International, Softchoice, Softmart, PC Connection, PCM Inc., and Zones Inc.

The new availability through commercial resellers will allow additional services for enterprise customers including asset tagging, custom imaging, kitting, onsite service, device recycling, and data protection. When working with machines on a large scale, services like these allow for a more efficient and hassle free IT environment.

Microsoft announced that over the next few months it will be working to authorize more commercial distributors in resellers in countries around the globe.

Secondly, the company is announcing a new program known as AppsForSurface; available to Independent Software Vendors, the program will provide funding for developers working to develop more applications for the Windows App Store. We aren’t talking about angry birds and temple run though, the program aims to bring key enterprise apps to Surface and Windows 8 machines.

Companies have already begun to sign up for AppsForSurface and current members include AirStrip, Citrix, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Sage.

Lastly, the already announced Surface program for education will be expanded into commercial channels. The deal currently allows qualifying educational institutes to purchase the Surface RT starting at $199. Microsoft hopes that the expansion of the program will “help to get Surface in the hands of even more educators and students.”

Is the Surface doing better than analysts think or is Microsoft hyping up faux information – let us know what you think in the comments below.

Source: Surface Blog