Microsoft Expands Surface Pro Options for the Enterprise

Just a day before Apple announces the iPad Pro—and I’m told this timing is not coincidental—Microsoft has revealed a new initiative to expand Surface distribution and support in the enterprise.

The software giant is partnering with PC makers such as Dell and HP, as well as Accenture and Avanade.

“Our enterprise customers have been asking us for partnerships like this,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says in a video supporting the Dell partnership. “If you think about it, they really do have such a unique set of needs. Their employees are increasingly mobile, and want to use devices they love. Their IT departments demand world-class security and management solutions they trust.”

To these ends, Microsoft’s new Surface enterprise initiative will work to get Surface devices running Windows 10 into the hands of the enterprise workforce, along with industry-specific apps and solutions, and unmatched sales, services and support, from Dell, HP, Accenture, and Avanade (and presumably more firms in the future as well).

As the first to join up, Microsoft is highlighting Dell’s involvement in the Surface enterprise initiative. Starting in early October—hint, hint on the timing—Dell will sell Microsoft’s Surface Pro tablets and accessories directly to its own customers alongside its own PCs and devices in the United States and Canada. And it will provide them with enterprise-class service and support through Dell Services, including Dell Hardware Warranty, ProSupport with Accidental Damage Service, and Configuration and Deployment Services.

Microsoft says it will expand the Surface enterprise initiative “to the remaining 28 markets of our Surface commercial channel starting in early 2016.” This will include the other partners, I would imagine.

Perhaps even more interesting, Microsoft is also highlighting the enterprise features that it is adding to Windows 10 this month. These include:

Enterprise Data Protection (EDP). This provides personal and corporate data protection wherever data flows, Microsoft says.

Microsoft Passport. Which will help business workers securely login to applications, web sites and networks without the need for a password.

Windows Store For Business. A unified Windows app store experience that will include both Windows Store apps and company-owned apps, and allow IT administers to acquire apps in bulk.