Microsoft introduces Surface Membership Plans, mirrors iPhone Upgrade program

June 8, 2016- Microsoft has been pushing its premium line of Surface products and the company’s devices have seen their fair share of success in the market. But now Microsoft is looking at alternative models to sells its wares, and today it has introduced the Microsoft Surface Membership plans.

The Surface Membership is a subscription-model, or rather a financing model designed for small businesses that want to deploy and keep their hardware updated. As Microsoft’s website notes you can “get the latest Surface devices, accessories, support and training for your business, starting at $32.99 per month”. Right now, the Surface Book, Surface Pro 4 and Surface 3 seem to be the only eligible devices, though they do include their Pen and Cover accessories.

Those who opt to pay out for their devices in monthly installments can pick out between an 18, 24 or 30-month plan. And those who sign up for the program get extra benefits such as:

  • Phone and in-store tech support, 7 days per week
  • One-on-one personal training
  • In-store discounts on future purchases of hardware, software, and more
  • Microsoft Complete for Business Extended Service Plan with Accidental Damage Protection

As noted above, the plan is designed for small or medium-sized businesses not for individuals. That being said you can purchase a single device in this plan, though you’ll need to go through Microsoft’s partner, LiftForward for your financing.

This is a very interesting move by Microsoft, but one that makes a lot of sense considering the company’s bread and butter is still in the enterprise and business sectors. Giving companies an affordable and convenient way of deploying its Surface hardware may prove to be a winning move for Microsoft.

Read more at Neowin.net...

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