Microsoft Surface rumored to be coming to 3rd party outlets soon

The Microsoft Surface RT tablet has been suffering from whispers and rumors lately, many of them based on supposed sales. Microsoft had stated that it expected to sell from 2 to 4 million of the devices in Q4 2012, but analysts beg to differ, citing much lower figures numbering around 500,000 to 600,000. One of the major problems potentially affecting sales of the new tablet is its limited distribution network.

So far, Microsoft has only allowed sales of the Surface RT through one of its official stores or online. According to rumors from a source close to Paul Thurrott of Windows IT Pro, Microsoft will allow stores such as Best Buy and Staples to start stocking the Surface RT in North America by January 2013. However, the Washington-based company will still need to address the issue of availability in the key markets of Asia-Pacific and Western Europe.

As there are currently no official Microsoft stores further afield than the USA and Canada the company will possibly allow approved international retail stores to sell their products. Giving 3rd party outlets permission to sell the Surface RT should at least help Microsoft improve distribution and increase availability for future products in the range.

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