Microsoft, the world's largest software maker, debuted its Surface tablet in the Thai market on Wednesday to create a new revenue stream to offset declining software licensing income.
Microsoft is introducing two tablet models: Surface RT, a consumer tablet, and Surface Pro, an enterprise tablet. Surface RT retails at 16,500 baht for a 32-GB model and 22,500 baht for a 54-GB capacity unit. Surface Pro is priced at 28,000 baht for a 64-GB model and 31,500 baht for a 128-GB model. PAWAT LAOPAISARNTAKSIN
Surface also launched in 28 other countries.
Haresh Khoobchandani, managing director of Microsoft (Thailand), said Thailand is fully embracing digital technology in telecommunications.
Microsoft is introducing two tablet models: Surface RT, a consumer tablet, and Surface Pro, an enterprise tablet.
Surface RT retails at 16,500 baht for a 32-GB model and 22,500 baht for a 54-GB capacity unit. Surface Pro is priced at 28,000 baht for a 64-GB model and 31,500 baht for a 128-GB model.
Bangkok Bank and Chiang Mai University already use Microsoft's tablets, he said.
The company has seen over 100 million downloads of its Windows 8 since its launch, he added.
Microsoft appointed SIS Distribution as an authorised distributor for its tablet.
Jarit Sidhu, an analyst for IDC Thailand, a leading research firm, said Thailand is the biggest tablet market in Southeast Asia, followed by Indonesia.
Tablet sales in Thailand are expected to reach 3.5 million units this year, excluding the government's one-tablet-per-child project.
Of the total, sales of Android-based tablets are expected to account for a 70% share, with Apple's iOS tablet taking the remaining 30%.
To compete with other tablet players, Mr Sidhu said Microsoft needs to provide a variety of applications and content.