Microsoft's Surface Tablet Could Repel OEMs

Microsoft (News - Alert) filed its annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday, and within it admitted that there was a possibility of its original equipment manufacturers jumping ship from the Windows platform.

According to the company, it is due to its Surface tablet which will be the first Microsoft tablet to utilize the Windows 8 operating system. “Our Surface devices will compete with products made by our OEM partners, which may affect their commitment to our platform,” stated Microsoft in the report.

This is a slight flip flop from a month ago, when CEO Steve Ballmer (News - Alert) said “the importance of the thousands of partners that we have that design and produce Windows computers will not diminish.” At this point their importance may not diminish, but their commitment and availability might.

The company also wrote of its apprehension at not being able to attract enough app developers. “Even if many users view these devices as complementary to a personal computer, the prevalence of these devices may make it more difficult to attract applications developers to our platforms,” officials said.

The Surface tablet was first introduced by Microsoft last month in LA with plans to release it in October. This is likely to coincide with October 26 release date of Windows 8. Microsoft has been talking up the tablet, claiming it will make a splash in the tablet market upon release. They have also had no fear in saying they plan on going head to head with Apple (News - Alert).

Microsoft may be jumping the gun, though. If they are planning to beat out the iPad, apps are going to be essential. And according to the report they filed, they’re currently an area the company struggles in.

Microsoft still has a little over two months until the Surface tablet hits shelves, so hopefully it’ll be able to work on attracting developers and making sure all signs point to a successful launch.

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