14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is reportedly working on the second-generation Surface tablet that’s said to include an 8-inch model, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the company has abandoned the existing version of the device.
The Softies today announced that both the Surface RT and the Pro would be available from US resellers, including CDW, CompuCom Systems, Inc., En Pointe Technologies, Insight Enterprises, Inc., SHI International Corp., Softchoice, Softmart, PC Connection, Inc., PCM, Inc. and Zones Inc..
“In addition to offering Microsoft’s extended warranty and accidental damage, resellers bring a variety of additional value-added services to the Surface family, such as asset tagging, custom imaging, kitting, onsite service and support, device recycling and data protection,” Cyril Belikoff, director of Microsoft Surface, explained.
“Over the next few months, we will be working to authorize commercial distributors and resellers in more countries.”
At the same time, Microsoft has also announced a partnership with Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) that would allow software makers to create apps specifically designed for work-related purposes.
“Today, we’re announcing a new ISV program, called AppsForSurface, which provides devices and funding for app design intended to get key enterprise apps on Surface and Window 8. We have limited slots for this program, and ISVs that are already signed up include AirStrip, Citrix, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Sage,” Belikoff added.
Last but not least, the Redmond-based tech giant has also revealed that its special Surface price tag for educational institutes will be expanded in the commercial channel to make sure that more buyers get easy access to the device.
“In the coming weeks, we will expand this into the commercial channel, starting with Authorized Surface Resellers in the US. Microsoft has a long tradition with education, and this offer is intended to get Surface in the hands of even more educators and students,” Belikoff concluded.
Word is that Microsoft’s new Surface tablet might hit the market before the holiday season, so expect the refresh device running Windows 8.1 to be here in October.