Microsoft Admits That Surface May Hurt Partner Relations

Microsoft is taking quite a risk by producing and releasing its own Windows 8-based tablet. While the company maintains that it isn't trying to compete with its OEM partners, Acer has been vocal about the move, with reports also indicating that manufacturers weren't exactly thrilled with the Surface announcement. In a new document submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission discovered by the New York Times, Microsoft admitted that the releases of its own tablet could weaken support among its Windows partners.

Microsoft details in the document how its "Surface devices will compete with products made by our OEM partners, which may affect their commitment to our platform." Microsoft maintains that Surface is meant to spur interest in Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets, although OEMs were miffed by the announcement as they reportedly had no foreknowledge of the event.

Not only that, Microsoft allegedly met with various OEMs to check in on their tablet plans, revealing the Surface a few short weeks later, perhaps a subtle dig at the plans that partners had for their own hardware. Microsoft's way of handling the situation has reportedly left partners with a bad taste in their mouths, although plenty of hardware from the likes of ASUS and Samsung remains on track for a release later in the year.

[via Engadget]