Microsoft aims to boost tepid Surface sales with channel push

Software giant also launching a new ISV programme and lowering RT prices for schools and colleges

Microsoft is aiming to boost sales of its Surface tablet computers as it makes the devices available for business customers via the IT channel.

In a blog post, director of Microsoft Surface, Cyril Belikoff, said that the software giant would enable the devices to be sold in the US through authorised Surface resellers which include CDW, Softchoice and Zones Inc.

"In addition to offering Microsoft's extended warranty and accidental damage, resellers bring a variety of additional value-added services to the Surface family, such as asset tagging, custom imaging, kitting, onsite services and support, device recycling and data protection," he said.

Previously, Microsoft only allowed Surface devices to be sold through its own online and retail stores as well as selected retail partners.

The first phase of Microsoft's plans is to appeal to its business customers in the US, but Belikoff said that over the next few months, the company will be working to authorise commercial distributors and resellers in more countries.

Both versions of the Surface tablet - RT and Pro - managed to only make combined sales of 1.5 million, four months after the devices were launched.

Microsoft is also aiming to attract more business customers by launching a new ISV programme called AppsforSurface, which Belikoff said "will provide devices and funding for app design intended to get key enterprise apps on Surface and Windows 8". ISVs that are already signed up include Citrix, Sage, AirStrip and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

The last part of Microsoft's announcement is to bring Surface RT to more schools and colleges, as it lowers its price to $199 (£130) from its $499 starting price (£328), until the end of August in 26 countries.

"Microsoft has a long tradition with education, and this offer is intended to get Surface in the hands of even more educators and students," he said.