Microsoft and Steelcase working on the modern workspace

Mar 7, 2017 10:34 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft and Steelcase have signed a partnership for the creation of a modern workplace that puts the focus on Surface devices that can be used in the most effective way depending on the tasks they are supposed to handle.

While Microsoft is no stranger to imagining the future, this time the company is working with Steelcase to reimagine the workplace using a modern approach to the available space, furniture, and Surface devices, including here tablets and PCs.

Microsoft and Steelcase created five such Creative Spaces which will be showcased in Steelcase’s WorkLife Centers worldwide including, New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Munich and London, with more to be added in international markets in the coming months.

“This is not simply about creating new desks, chairs or conference rooms. This is about two committed partners coming together to reimagine what the workplace of the future will look like, paying close attention to the constantly evolving rhythm of people’s days, and creating physical spaces to help individuals and teams optimize their creative potential,” Microsoft explains.

The software giant explains that the combination of these Creative Spaces and technology like Surface devices can help maximize the creative potential of both individuals and teams, though it’s very clear that they’re mostly aimed at enterprises looking to boost productivity of its employees.

Other partnerships

Additionally, Microsoft is also announcing that Steelcase would start selling Surface Hubs to customers in the United States and Canada, while the United Kingdom and Germany would be added this summer, with more markets also to follow later this year.

And last but not least, Steelcase is adopting Microsoft Azure IoT technology for its workplace solutions, with more products to be announced soon in order to “provide companies with analytics that improve workplaces and solutions to help employees find the best places to do diverse types of work within the office.”