As part of its Inspire 2017 partner conference, Microsoft has announced a partnership with IBM to help bolster support for its Surface devices for enterprise customers. As part of the partnership, Microsoft will rely on IBM's Technology Support Services (TSS) to enhance its Microsoft Complete extended warranty offerings and "deliver technology services and support for Surface devices."
In addition to its partnership with IBM, Microsoft also announced that it will offer next business day replacement and next business day onsite support services for customers with a Microsoft Complete extended service plan. All of this adds to Microsoft's partner program for services and support, which was announced at Ignite 2016 and is now active in ten countries around the globe.
Lastly, Microsoft has announced the Surface Reseller Alliance, due for launch later this fall. The company explains the Alliance will allow Surface partners to get easy access to training and support materials. From Microsoft:
The Surface Reseller Alliance training program includes a revamped online portal with training modules, live webinars for newly launched Surface products, and will provide incentives for partner sellers to complete training curriculum. We're also ramping up our marketing support by making significant investments in lead generation, providing assets, guidelines and assistance to help partners create fantastic marketing collateral and web experiences wherever Surface is sold.
Though it won't launch in full until this fall, the Surface Reseller Alliance is currently in preview through the Surface Drumbeat site. The next business day replacements and onsite support, along with services provided by IBM's TSS, will be available in the U.S. and Canada starting July 15.
