Microsoft will allow partners to lease Surface 2-in-1 devices to customers on a subscription basis.
The Surface-as-a-service initiative was announced at the annual Worldwide Partner Conference this week in Toronto.
The program is open to partners that are both certified as Microsoft Cloud Solution Providers and as Surface Authorised Distributors, though it is unclear when the program will launch in Australia.
The Surface move will allow partners to add the hybrid device to a managed service that might also bundle Microsoft cloud products, such as Office 365, as well as Windows 10 under the newly announced subscription model, alongside their own services.
Microsoft has also expanded its Surface Enterprise Initiative, with IBM and technology consultancy firm Booz Allen Hamilton joining existing partners Dell and HP as sellers of Surface devices.
According to a Microsoft blog, “IBM will draw on their data and analytics expertise to create new industry-specific solutions for the financial services and consumer packaged goods sectors that take advantage of the unique capabilities of Surface devices. Booz Allen Hamilton will develop scalable and more secure solutions for governments, the public sector and healthcare.”
Microsoft has also introduced the new Surface Multi-National Purchasing Program to provide purchasing options for global customers. The vendor has authorised four resellers – CDW, Insight, SHI and Zones – to provide multinational customers Surface devices and accessories.
“This gives enterprise customers a more streamlined path for getting Surface on company-wide standards lists and for cross-country adoption for line of business scenarios. Additional resellers wishing to join the program should contact their local partner sales executive,” wrote Brian Hall, general manager, Microsoft Devices Marketing, in a blog post.
Microsoft is holding its annual Worldwide Partner Conference in Toronto this week.
Steven Kiernan is a guest of Microsoft at Worldwide Partner Conference
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