Stature Software

Is Microsoft ‘Surface’ Substance or Show?

March 12th, 2009 by Erin Posted in Business | No Comments »

This week, I was struck by the following business news headline:

Coldwell Banker Launches Microsoft Surface App

Curious – I clicked to check it out.

How was a real estate company using one of Microsoft’s showiest business applications?

Aren’t we in a recession? Isn’t the housing market down like +20%?

It turns out Coldwell Banker is leading the pack with its development of a revolutionary home search application – powered, none other, by Microsoft Surface. Coldwell Banker’s Home Search application allows you to search for properties and browse neighborhoods – all at your finger tips.

This new got me thinking.

Is there real substance with this Microsoft Surface application? Or is it all show?

True, the whole package is quite impressive.

At 30 inches, its table shaped, flat-screen surface (hence the name) responds to flicks, pinches, points as well as bar codes or anything else you want to put on its screen. 

At the very least, Surface is a great conversation piece. At most, its a handy collaboration tool.

Personally, I see Microsoft Surface as an interactive information kiosk.

Since it can also interact with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices, the business application is being used at several Sheraton Hotels across the country. Guests says it’s like their own virtual concierge, offering travel tips, maps, and pictures of the local area – all of which can be uploaded to their own mobile devices. I’ve read that guests can also tap into the lobby’s soundtrack, create play lists, and take songs to go.

Hmm… Muzak to go? I don’t think so.

Retail stores are also testing out Surface. AT&T uses it as a presentation tool and a personal shopper, helping customers compare phones, and find coverage areas.

Is Microsoft Surface your small business solution?

Probably not.

It is, though, an innovative way for businesses – BIG businesses – to engage their customers and really knock their socks off.

We’ll see if the Surface can successfully integrate into the mainstream business world.

One of two things has to happen first though:

Microsoft has to make Surface commercially available – which will not likely happen for the next couple years.

Or, Micosoft must come down off its price. 

$10,000 a pop is a little steep.

 Tags: business application, microsoft business, microsoft surface, small business solution

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