IBM expands Microsoft Surface reseller deal

Microsoft is bringing new perks to its Surface resellers including a new partner program and an expanded deal with IBM.

IBM's Technology Support Services division will provide services and support to customers with Microsoft Complete extended warranty for Surface. Services from IBM will be available in the US and Canada from 15 July, and will roll out to other countries later on.

IBM joined the Surface Enterprise Initiative last year, joining existing partners Dell and HP as Surface resellers.

In addition to IBM services, businesses with Microsoft Complete can also order next business day device replacements and onsite support.

Microsoft also revealed a new program called Surface Reseller Alliance that aims to give partners better access to product information, training and marketing support.

Ryan Gavin, general manager of Microsoft devices marketing, said the program allows resellers to provide "a premium experience" when dealing with shared end customers.

"The Surface Reseller Alliance training program includes a revamped online portal with training modules, live webinars for newly launched Surface products, and will provide incentives for partner sellers to complete training curriculum," he added.

"We’re also ramping up our marketing support by making significant investments in lead generation, providing assets, guidelines and assistance to help partners create fantastic marketing collateral and web experiences wherever Surface is sold."

In the coming months, the program will add the deal registration portal, which allows distributor-managed partners to register deals directly instead of through a partner. Gavin said that more updates will be added over time.

The Surface Reseller Alliance is still in preview, and is slated to launch in spring.