The Microsoft logo is displayed over the Microsoft booth at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Hilton Jan. 7, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo : Getty Images/Justin Sullivan)
In June, Microsoft launched a program for individuals to lease its Surface detachable tablets to small businesses enabling them to use top-line machines without paying much up-front. Now, the Redmond tech giant has announced that it is rolling out a more ambitious plan that allows partners to rent the devices along with the company's popular Surface as a Service (SaaS) software.
The tech giant's Surface as a Service initiative involves authorized third parties offering the tablets alongside Microsoft cloud services, Windows 365, Windows 10 and other ISV software, a blog post on the company's website said. Different the program launched for small businesses last month, Microsoft now wants to offer more options with a view to expand its appeal to the SMB as well as enterprise markets.
The program, renamed Windows 10 Enterprise, has already been launched in collaboration with ALSO, a European cloud solutions provider, and it will be introduced globally as the company secures similar partnerships. Microsoft plans to make the product available as a subscription for $7 per user per month, or $84 per year.
Last week, Microsoft renamed the Windows 10 Enterprise and announced that it will make the E3 and E5 versions available as part of "Secure Productive Enterprise" bundles. Secure Productive Enterprise E3, was formerly named "Enterprise Cloud Suite" and it will comprise Windows 10 Enterprise E3, Office 365 E3, and Enterprise Mobility + Security E3, earlier known as Enterprise Mobility Suite, ZDNet reported.
In addition to the Enterprise Mobility + Security bundle, Microsoft will also offer a Secure Productive Enterprise E5 bundle, which will accompany Windows 10 Enterprise E5, Office 365 E5, and Enterprise Mobility + Security E5.
The Redmond tech giant told partners on Tuesday that they will be allowed to sell the Windows 10 E3 subscription through the Cloud Solution Provider channel beginning this fall. In addition, partners will also be able to provide users with one contract, one view of their subscriptions and usage, one support contract, and one simplified bill for the new offering.
Microsoft didn't announce pricing or availability timing for Windows 10 E5 today. I've asked whether this version (the one with Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection) also will be out this fall. No word back so far.
Take a look at Microsoft's new Surface Tablet running Windows 8 below:
