While Microsoft's gigantic Surface Hub is a solid tool for businesses, it's also an expensive piece of tech. To take the sting out, Microsoft has launched a new Surface Hub subscription program, a follow-up to its "Surface as a Service" program launched last summer.
From Microsoft:
Following the success of Surface as a Service, we're introducing a similar way to help customers procure Surface Hub. I'm happy to announce we will now offer Surface Hub via a subscription-based model, including initial investment and configuration costs. Recent research from IDC shows that businesses have a clear appetite for this type of subscription model. With 73 percent of respondents expecting to move to subscription-based IT procurement over the next three years.
On top of the new subscription program, Microsoft is also making it a bit easier to see if the Surface Hub is a good fit with a new Surface Hub Try & Buy Program. The program is exactly what it says on the tin, allowing resellers in the U.S., UK, Europe and Asia to let their customers try a Surface Hub for 30 days before requiring a commitment to buy. The Try & Buy program is set to kick off with multiple partners starting February 15.
Back in December, Microsoft revealed that Surface Hub demand was exceeding expectations. As of December, for example, Microsoft said it had shipped Surface Hubs to over 2,000 customers in 24 markets. Even more impressive, the average deal was for 50 units, but Microsoft said it had sold upwards of 1,500 Surface Hubs to a "large car manufacturer." That's good news for the company's massive slate, and with these latest changes, it looks like it'll be even easier for businesses to get their hands on one.
