Microsoft expands SEI, debuts Surface-as-a-Service for enterprises

Microsoft, ahead of its Worldwide Partner conference (WPC) has announced to expand its Surface Enterprise Initiate (SEI) and its hybrid tablet hardware into enterprises. The expansion dubbed as, ‘Surface-as-Service’ will see sales and purchase of Surface as a part of a subscription, managed by Microsoft cloud solution providers (CSPs). SEI which was introduced by Microsoft last year to enhance Windows 10 adoption will have IBM and technology consultancy firm Booz Allen Hamilton join Surface Reseller Program along with existing partners, Dell and HP. Both claim to act as a Solution Integrator to deliver industry specific solutions to shared customers. While IBM will draw on their data and analytics expertise to create new industry-specific solutions for the financial services and consumer packaged goods sectors, Booz Allen Hamilton will develop scalable and more secure solutions for Governments, the Public Sector and Healthcare, said the company. The deal aims to provide enterprise solutions where Surface Authorized Distributors and CSPs can offer Surface devices to enterprise clients through a managed service offering integrated with Office 365, Windows 10, ISV software, Dynamics Azure and Dynamics CRM Services through a single channel. It will also feature increased security options, simplified licensing and deployment options, and managed IT services by using machine learning technology to analyze endpoint breaches and provide detailed recommendations on how to plug the leak, claims the company. It plans to make two Enterprise editions of Windows 10, E3 and E5 available on a subscription basis, starting at $7 per user per month for E3 version, while E5 is still under wraps. It includes low-level security mechanisms, a tool for isolating company data from users’ personal files and a biometric sign-in mechanism. Yusuf Mehdi, Corporate Vice President, Windows and Devices Group, Microsoft, believes the program to be ideal for businesses that do not have dedicated IT resources and want their licensing and IT needs managed by an outsourcing Services partner. In a blog post, he wrote:

This new offering enables flexibility of solutions, faster device refresh, and ensures customers can have the latest Surface devices that evolve with the best Windows and Office have to offer. We launched this program with ALSO, a leading CSP out of Europe, and look forward to working with other partners to expand this program globally.

Gustavo Moller-Hergt, CEO, Chairman, ALSO, said:

We see an immense opportunity to help our customers meet their business goals with Windows 10 Enterprise E3 in CSP and the Surface as a service program. Now, we’ll be able to offer a complete managed service workplace solution from device to operating system to productivity with a level of scale not previously possible.

In addition, Microsoft also claims to be broadening its Surface Multi-National Purchasing Program with the addition of CDW, Insight, SHI and Zones to streamline the process for adding Surface hardware to enterprises. The blog also mentions opportunities for HoloLens to enhance personal computing and create mixed reality experiences with Microsoft’s AR Wearable.