Summary: Microsoft continues to back Surface Pro 3 for the workplace, offering a new bundle discount on the hardware and commitments that the current device accessories will work with the next Surface Pro model.
It could be coincidental timing, but less than 24 hours after Google strengthened its Chromebook for work commitment, Microsoft has done the same with its Surface Pro line of computers. On Wednesday, the company provided incentives for Surface Pro bundle purchases and said accessories for the hybrid laptop would work with the next generation of Surface Pro.
In a blog post to answer questions about how Surface Pro can help businesses,Microsoft reiterated its commitment to the enterprise, highlighting several recent and new announcements.First and foremost is how Microsoft is making it easier to set up and deploy Surface Pro in the enterprise, with quick software updates and firmware images made available to I.T. organizations. The company is also providing more detailed release notes with each available update and says it will continue to improve those; that’s where Google could learn a lesson, as it typically points people to arcane change logs for Chrome OS. And Microsoft has a support option that extends the hardware warranty by three years, including accidental damage and fast hardware exchanges.
To help extend enterprise investments, Microsoft also says the following Surface Pro 3 accessories will be compatible with the next model: Type Covers, power adapters, Ethernet adapters and the Surface Pro 3 Docking Station. Clearly, then, any new Surface Pro model will have the same shape, size and ports; changes would likely be internal hardware components.
Microsoft is also offering a new, full “laptop replacement” bundle package through its authorized resellers. Companies can purchase a Surface Pro 3, Type Cover and Docking Station and receive a $150 savings over the purchase of these devices individually.
It’s interesting that both Google and Microsoft continue pushing for the same dominance in the workplace, but from very different ends of the spectrum. You can buy a Chromebook for $200, for example, while the base model Surface Pro 3 costs $799 and the accessories will raise the cost even higher. Ultimately, it’s really not about hardware: Businesses will evaluate which software products and support programs can meet their needs.
Source: http://www.gigaom.com
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