14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is no longer just a software company that's focused on selling Windows and Office, but a firm that migrates towards devices and services thanks to former CEO Steve Ballmer and to the new boss Satya Nadella.
There's no doubt that switching the focus from software to hardware isn't quite the thing that Microsoft can do overnight, but after approximately two years since its debut in the tablet industry, the company finally admits that it's really difficult to become a hardware company.
Speaking at the Canalys Channels Forum Asia, Thomas Hansen, vice president, SMB Worldwide, Microsoft Corporation, explained in a statement that Microsoft was working to make its Surface Pro 3 tablet available in more countries across the world, adding that the company still had to deal with a number of issues that slowed down its efforts to become a hardware firm.
“It takes time to build a hardware company,” he explained according to The Register. “Speaking candidly, we are learning.”
Trials prepared for several markets
Even though Microsoft wants to switch the focus to hardware devices as soon as possible, it still acts cautiously across the world and doesn't launch its tablets in markets where they might not succeed.
Japan is the best example in this regard, as Microsoft is already planning a limited trial in the country to figure out whether or not launching the Surface Pro 3 there would be a good idea.
“We are in the process right now of piloting some expanded channel models for Surface Pro 3,” he said. “We may decide to take some further steps. Give us a few months to run our pilot. As we learn from that we will figure out if we can expand the route to market.”
More Surface models on their way
Word has it that Microsoft is now working on an even bigger Surface tablet which could come with a 13- or even 14-inch display. Redmond hasn't yet confirmed such plans, but they do make sense, especially since the company is more focused on efforts to expand in the hardware business.
At this point, all eyes are on the Surface Pro 3, which sells really well in all available markets despite its pretty high price tag. In the United States, the top Surface Pro 3 version, which comes with an Intel Core i7 processor, 512 GB of storage space and 8 GB of RAM, can be purchased for $1,950 (1,500 euro).