Dive Brief:
- Microsoft is rolling out subscription service offerings for both Windows 10 and Surface, the company announced Tuesday at its Worldwide Partner Conference in Toronto.
- The new initiative will allow Microsoft Cloud Solution partners to provide Windows 10 Enterprise Edition subscriptions on Surface devices as part of a managed service offering for the first time.
- Microsoft also announced new partnerships with IBM and Booz Allen Hamilton focused on industry specific solutions. IBM will offer solutions for the financial services and consumer packaged goods sectors, while Booz Allen Hamilton will develop solutions for the public sector and healthcare.
Dive Insight:
Microsoft is hoping to help its partners and customers digitally transform their businesses. Its new "Surface as a Service" program offers Surface devices as a managed service offering, which has the added benefit of getting Microsoft's devices into the enterprise. But rather than the traditional, stationary PC, the company is leveraging the mobility of its technology.
"New solutions are required as it’s a unique time for all of us," said Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president, Windows and Devices Group, in a company blog. "The digital revolution creates the opportunity for a digital transformation, with all new ways to engage customers, empower employees, optimize operations and transform products."
Microsoft has been catching the attention of enterprise customers as it makes a concerted effort to improve its enterprise offerings. Facebook chief information officer Tim Campos praised Microsoft during the company’s partner conference as it announced it had chosen to use Office 365.
"Microsoft got cool again," Campos said.
