Microsoft To Sell RT Through 3rd Party Retailers

Microsoft has taken a major step by deciding to sell the Surface tablet through other retailers. According to trustworthy sources the Microsoft Surface RT device is going to be sold through third parties very soon. The roll-out will begin in countries where there are no Microsoft stores such as Australia. In fact the United States Canada are the only countries which have Microsoft brick and mortar stores.

 

Microsoft has announced plans to let stores in those countries sell the Surface RT device. Currently the device is only available to users in those countries through the Microsoft website. Although no official date has been announced as to when third-party retailers will be allowed to sell the Surface Microsoft has said that it will be within days.

Up until this point only Microsoft brick and mortar stores have been allowed to sell the Surface with the exception of one third-party retailer in China. In January the roll-out is expected to be expanded to the US giving customers the option to either buy the surface RT at a Microsoft shop or at a third-party retailer.

The distribution of the surface was limited because Microsoft didn't want to hurt the sales of its tablet making partners. It was thought that if it released the Surface to other stores it would make people less likely to buy tablets also running Windows 8 made by other manufacturers. Microsoft does not want to be seen as competing with other manufacturers but rather working alongside them.

One of the reasons for the move is possibly the fact that the sales of the Surface haven't been as high as Microsoft would have hoped. While sales of other Windows 8 products are good, people simply haven't been going to Microsoft stores to buy the Surface specifically. Microsoft will be hoping the wider distribution will result in wide array name recognition and hence more purchases. The surface was Microsoft's first foray into the hardware market for sometime and its success or failure could dictate how long it will be before Microsoft attempts it again.

The operating system has received praise from all corners with experts welcoming Microsoft's innovation and average users welcoming the intuitive experience. While some are critical of the new design, most say it just takes some getting used to and after hating it at first you will eventually grow to love it.

The change in design was a major break for Microsoft which has abandoned the conventional desktop and start button configurations which has accompanied Windows operating systems since 1998. The new design is more touch screen friendly and brings Windows 8 into line with other competing operating systems.

The operating system is available on laptops, tablets, PCs and phones. Microsoft also have plans for making custom Windows 8 products such as coffee tables and wall screens although at this stage it is unclear when such products will become available. It may be that they are only ever available to be custom ordered all a fairly high price.

Loren is a Technology blogger who loves to write on latest and upcoming trends in the World of technology, She loves to follow Brian Mathis's Direct Edge Blog.