This week, Microsoft announced what it’s calling the initial phase of its business-channel expansion plans for the Surface family of PCs.
The Microsoft Devices Program, which allows customers to purchase Surface and commercial services through authorized resellers, will now inclue Ingram Micro Inc., SYNNEX Corp. and Tech Data Corp. as “inaugural device-authorized distributors to sell Surface to a newly designated group of device-authorized commercial resellers.”
Today, these resellers include CDW, CompuCom Systems Inc., En Pointe Technologies, Insight Enterprises Inc., PC Connection Inc., PCM Inc., SHI International Corp., Softchoice, Softmart and Zones Inc.
During Monday’s announcement, Microsoft also announced AppsForSurface, which will serve as a new Surface application-development program for independent software vendors (ISVs).
AppsForSurface provides devices and funding for Surface-specific business applications, addresses the growing demand for Surface enterprise applications.
We’re told that current program participants include Airstrip, Citrix, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Sage.
“In June,” the company said in a written statement Monday, “Microsoft announced a one-time offer for Surface RT starting at $199 for qualifying educational institutes running until the end of August in 26 countries, valid for all K–12 schools and universities purchasing direct from Microsoft. In the coming days, Microsoft will expand this offer into the commercial channel starting with Authorized Surface Resellers in the United States.”
