Report: Microsoft Kept Surface a Secret from Partners
The secrecy surrounding Microsoft's Surface extended to Redmond's hardware partners.
When rumors of a Microsoft tablet first started doing the rounds, one of the bigger arguments against the idea was that Microsoft was a software company with a healthy pool of hardware partners. How could it snub its partners by coming out with its own hardware? As you might have noticed, Microsoft did just that -- the company announced two Windows 8 tablets earlier this week, one based on Intel technology and another based on ARM and running Windows RT.
In the aftermath of Microsoft's announcement, talk has turned to how Microsoft broke the news to partners that it was working on its own device. According to some reports, Redmond didn't actually tell its partners until the tablet was finished and ready to be unveiled. Reuters is reporting that Microsoft kept its hardware partners in the dark until as late as Friday, just a couple of days prior to its mystery event in LA. The news outlet cites people with knowledge of the matter that say Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky made a round of telephone calls to partners on Friday afternoon but didn't give away much. Reuters' source says Sinofsky didn't reveal specs or the name, giving partners only the barest of details.
The fact that Microsoft has decided to take things into its own hands when it comes to tablets speaks volumes about the company's ambitions for Windows 8 in the tablet sector. Redmond is obviously eager to see the Windows 8 tablet done right and the Surface could be seen as Microsoft's attempt to lead by example.
Numerous companies have plans for ultrabooks or convertible devices based on Windows 8. These devices will be released towards the end of the year, when Windows 8 is released and around the same time as Microsoft's own Surface devices.

No. It speaks volumes as to how its hardware partners have been dropping the ball since the release of the iPad.
There. Fixed that for you.
No. It speaks volumes as to how its hardware partners have been dropping the ball since the release of the iPad.
There. Fixed that for you.
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Remember the old saying "if you want something doing properly, do it yourself"
I don't know, but I think so far the Hardware was always better than the Operating System that Microsoft put on it. If the Tables is as good as the various versions of Windows.... uh, no thanks guys.
Yeah I agree but Microsoft’s apparent deception is also a good business strategy. “All war is based on deception. “ – The Art of War by Sun Tzu
For the RT model absolutely, but the x86 version is a full laptop / ultrabook that can turn into a tablet as well, I can see the RT version dropping in price but the x86 staying right where it is and the majority of sales STILL being the more expensive version
Motorola but doubt it being their current model works great for them with the Nexus line.
This is simply untrue. The PC makers have been following the only strategy they have. Intel re-formed the ranks and created the Ultrabook Spec (MacBook Air Clones) running Windows 7 to compete against the iPad. It's not working very well, but what else are they supposed to do! Windows 8 wasn't finished yet and they didn't want to go Android and risk being alienated them from their long time partner - Microsoft.
Sorry, but Microsoft is the only player on "Team Windows" that has yet to produce a response to the iPad.
Now we know the true purpose of Windows 8. With Surface, we find ourselves at the end of a mobster movie, where all of Microsoft's henchmen discover that their Mob Boss is about to kill every one of them to save his own skin. Nobody trusts anyone, and a massive 8-way gunfight will ensue. There is a good reason Microsoft chose not to give significant warning about Surface - in a gun fight, you don't move unless to shoot.
If I had to describe a situation that could bring down the once mighty Microsoft this would be it. Microsoft could easily survive, but the next three years are going to be very disruptive. I love a good mobster movie.