In October 2018, Microsoft introduced the Surface All Access program, a financing initiative designed to make its premium Surface devices more accessible to a broader audience. This program allowed customers to acquire devices like the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and Surface Book through manageable monthly payments, effectively lowering the barrier to entry for high-end technology.

Program Overview

Surface All Access offered a range of bundles, each combining a Surface device with a two-year subscription to Office 365. The program's pricing structure varied depending on the device and configuration:

  • Surface Go Bundle: Starting at $24.99 per month, this package included the Surface Go, a Type Cover, and a two-year Office 365 subscription.
  • Surface Pro 6 Bundle: Priced at $47.87 per month, it featured the Surface Pro 6, a Type Cover, and a two-year Office 365 subscription.
  • Surface Laptop 2 Bundle: Available for $46.63 per month, this bundle comprised the Surface Laptop 2 and a two-year Office 365 subscription.
  • Surface Book 2 Bundle: Offered at $54.96 per month, it included the Surface Book 2 and a two-year Office 365 subscription.
  • Surface Studio 2 Bundle: Priced at $150.79 per month, this package featured the Surface Studio 2 and a two-year Office 365 subscription.

These bundles were available through Microsoft retail stores in the U.S., with the Surface Studio 2 bundle becoming available on November 15, 2018. (crn.com.au)

Financing Details

The Surface All Access program was structured to provide consumers with a comprehensive package that included:

  • Surface Device: Options ranged from the entry-level Surface Go to the high-end Surface Studio 2.
  • Office 365 Subscription: A two-year subscription to Office 365 was bundled with each device, offering access to productivity tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
  • Support and Training: Customers received access to in-store training and top-tier support, enhancing their user experience.

Financing was provided by Dell Financial Services, with terms of 0% APR over 24 months and no upfront costs. It's important to note that while the hardware could be returned within the standard return policy, the two-year Office 365 subscription was non-returnable and non-refundable. (fool.com)

Implications and Impact

The introduction of Surface All Access marked a strategic move by Microsoft to make its premium devices more accessible to a wider audience. By bundling hardware with a subscription to Office 365, Microsoft aimed to increase the adoption of its ecosystem, ensuring that users had access to essential productivity tools alongside their devices. This approach mirrored similar strategies in the industry, such as Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program, which combined hardware financing with services to enhance customer loyalty and drive recurring revenue streams. (fool.com)

Conclusion

The Surface All Access program exemplified Microsoft's strategic approach to expanding its customer base and enhancing the value proposition of its Surface devices. By offering flexible financing options and bundling essential services, Microsoft aimed to provide a comprehensive solution that catered to the needs of both individual consumers and business customers.

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