Microsoft announced a new offering today called the Surface Plus Program. Microsoft’s new Surface Plus Program allows consumers to purchase Surface laptops and tablets in much the same way that many people purchase smartphone every eighteen months to two years. The program lets participants upgrade to a new machine after 18 months when they return their existing hardware in good condition.
Microsoft’s Surface Plus Program includes all model of surfaces
- Surface Laptop
- Surface Pro
- Surface Book
- Surface Studio
The Surface Plus Program offers great benefits for financing and support.
Low monthly payments: Customers can purchase a Surface device with an easy, 24-month payment plan at 0% APR.1
Device upgrades: Customers can upgrade to the latest Surface after just 18 months.2
Dedicated Service & Support: Surface Plus offers best in class service and support from Microsoft Stores. Customers also have the option to add the Microsoft Complete extended service plan.
Microsoft Store Benefits: All customers who shop at Microsoft Store enjoy access to benefits like a 30-day hassle free return policy, a Surface training and health check as well as a year of free in-store support and technical assistance.
Liz Hamren / CVP, Microsoft Devices Marketing states in her Microsoft blog “With school starting soon, there’s never been a better time for students to find the best Surface that’s right for them. Whether it’s a Surface Laptop, Surface Pro, Surface Book or Surface Studio – Surface Plus provides a simple, no-hassle plan to help students unlock their productivity and be more creative with Surface.”
This is a great move for Microsoft in the education market space of as Google Chromebooks and iPads have been pushing their way into schools with cheaper price points then computers and less maintenance.
Microsoft announced Surface Plus for Business which is something I am happy to see as many friends of mine who are in business have been wanting to move to Surface but needed incentives. Microsoft now offers those incentives with the latest offerings.
Multiple Surface models: Customers can add as many devices as they want into a single agreement and can have a mix of models across the Surface portfolio.
The latest devices: Previously unavailable, customers can now finance a 55” Surface Hub in addition to the new Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, Surface Book, and Surface Studio to unlock the power of the group in their businesses.
Office 365 for Business: For an additional $8.25 per user per month, businesses can enjoy the ultimate productivity experience on Surface.
Flexible Terms: Businesses can choose flexible 18, 24 or 30 month periods, with the ability to upgrade devices after just 12 months on the 18-month term (or after 18 months on the 24-month term). Businesses can also expand or reduce their device fleet mid-term.*
Device Protection: Surface Plus for Business offers peace of mind with the Microsoft Complete for Business extended service plan with accidental damage protection.
This is a great announcement and great move by Microsoft to compete against both Apple and Google in both the education market and the business market. I could honestly see Apple doing something like this with their MacOS product line in the near future to help entice users to updated hardware more often. Over the last several years we see phones and tablets getting updated more often than computer hardware on both the Windows and MacOS platforms. The Surface Plus Program might be a way to start pushing users to refresh computer hardware like they do their phones in 18-24 month cycles.