Will Microsoft use windows subscription to push Surface hardware?

Since the release of Windows 10, we’ve been waiting for Microsoft to make a move on monetizing the OS. We heard some rumors here and there about an ad-supported version of Windows but it felt like a joke more than an actual thing.

Now Mary Jo Foley reported on “Managed Desktop” which is Microsoft’s next move. From the looks of it, Microsoft will charge users/businesses a monthly fee, in return, your PC will be supported/updated by Microsoft who will ensure that your PC never face any issues, at least the OS part.

This “Managed Desktop” might be the next idea that Microsoft will try to push towards businesses. Microsoft along with its partners like Dell, HP, and Lenovo might sell Managed Desktop as a package, where the partners take care of the hardware and Microsoft deals with the OS, and who knows maybe there will be an added backup service to ease the mind of the companies.

Of course, Microsoft might take this chance and try to push its Surface PCs as well. if the company offers free Managed Desktop subscription for individuals/companies who buy any Surface PCs it might convince people to buy them, since it will be cheaper than having to buy hardware from other vendors and then pay Microsoft for the subscription.

The problem is that Microsoft doesn’t sell any proper business desktop PCs, so the partnership between them and other vendors to push this is a more likely scenario.

On the other hand, Microsoft is trying to push into the consumer market and adopting the Apple strategy of buy-our-hardware-and-get-OS-for-free might help them gain some market share if they push this subscription idea into the consumer market as well.