14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft’s partnership with the NFL has generated mixed reactions, and while some say that the Surface tablets are great devices to be used on the sidelines of every game, others (we’re referring to you, Bill Belichick) believe that they should be replaced with the traditional paper that was a lot more effective.
Microsoft, however, is very keen on continuing its partnership with the NFL, and in a recent blog post, the company defends the device, explaining that despite the recent criticism, there still are many people who absolutely love the Surface and find it extremely useful in the sports.
“Surface devices have become ubiquitous on NFL sidelines and in the coaches’ booth, and more than half of NFL franchises are using Surfaces end-to-end, as playbooks, to watch video and as a laptop replacement in their front office to handle the administrative duties of running the team,” Microsoft explains, adding that the NFL sideline is the toughest office for its tablet.
“Change is hard”
The company also used quotes from some of the NFL officials to prove how useful the Surface actually is, pointing out that it has no intention of giving up on its partnerships despite the recent criticism. The company previously said that it respects Belichick’s decision to replace the Surface with traditional paper.
“We know change can be hard and technology adoption typically has a growth curve. We’re excited to be working with some of the best IT professionals in the industry at the NFL to help with the transition,” the firm continued.
Microsoft’s deal with the NFL didn’t go as smoothly as planned, and it hit some roadblocks from the very beginning, with NFL commentators describing Redmond’s device as an iPad.
Furthermore, there were several moments when the Surface simply crashed, and coaches couldn’t get any game statistics, which only contributed to the frustration that some, including here Bill Belichick, channeled towards the final decision to completely give up on Microsoft’s devices.