Microsoft, which is currently facing lacklustre sales of its Surface tablet, revealed plans to sell the devices to major organisations via resellers, as part of its efforts to boost sales by aiming corporate customers.
As part of the two-tier programme, Ingram Micro, SYNNEX and Tech Data have been appointed as device-authorised distributors to sell Surface to a new group of device-authorised commercial resellers.
Device resellers include CDW, CompuCom Systems, En Pointe Technologies, Insight Enterprises, PC Connection, PCM, SHI International, Softchoice, Softmart and Zones.
The software giant will also launch a new programme known as AppsForSurface to offer corporate software makers with devices and funding to adapt their programmes to Surface and meet the growing demand for Surface enterprise applications.
Initially, the programme is being signed up by firms including Airstrip, Citrix, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Sage.
Microsoft is trying to broaden the users for Surface to corporate and education customers following the device’s launch in October that met poor demand from consumers.
In June, Microsoft launched a one-time offer for Surface RT starting at $199 for eligible educational institutes until late August 2013 in 26 countries, which is valid for all K-12 schools and universities buying directly from the company.
Microsoft is also planning to the offer into the commercial channel beginning with authorised Surface resellers in the USA.
