Microsoft moves to allay Surface support fears

The Surface tablet line is "here to stay" as a business device, Microsoft has confirmed in a blog post.

Redmond reassured its customers the Surface Pro tablet line is sticking around by stressing the tech giant will continue to provide ongoing support for users, as it tries to position the device as a laptop replacement.

As the post, written by Brian Hall, states: "Most businesses are buying Surface when their employees need a laptop and want to avoid having to buy and carry an iPad too. Surface Pro 3 serves as a full-powered business PC and a tablet, making for happy employees as well as happy CIOs and CFOs. One device means less to buy, deploy, manage and secure."

Microsoft issued the blog post in an attempt to quell speculation that Redmond may not support the device in the long-term, fuelled by the disappearance of its rumoured Surface Mini, and the lack of a third generation RT-based Surface.

Crucially, the blog stated the hardware that comes hand-in-hand with the device, such as the docking station and keyboard cover, will also be compatible with future Surface models.

This may allay fears of companies wishing to invest in the Surface but worried about compatibility issues later down the line.

This was a problem with the transition between the Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3, with much of the accompanying hardware and accessories immediately outdated following the release.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is quoted as saying: "With Microsoft Surface Pro 3 we are now offering an enterprise-class device that can deliver great end user productivity. Microsoft is putting its full and sustained support behind the ongoing Surface program as one of a number of great hardware choices for businesses large and small."

Caroline Preece

Caroline has been writing about technology for more than a decade, switching between consumer smart home news and reviews and in-depth B2B industry coverage. In addition to her work for IT Pro and Cloud Pro, she has contributed to a number of titles including Expert Reviews, TechRadar, The Week and many more. She is currently the smart home editor across Future Publishing's homes titles.

You can get in touch with Caroline via email at caroline.preece@futurenet.com.