It's day one of the annual Microsoft Ignite Conference, and there have already been a number of industry announcements.

In a recent blog post, Microsoft disclosed its Surface as a Service Partner Momentum.

This initiative aims to provide the company's enterprise customers with greater flexibility and choice within their deployment and purchasing decision making process.

“We're extremely pleased by the momentum we've seen in the past two months since we introduced Surface as a Service. Some of the largest distribution and reseller partners have joined us, including: ALSO, Tech Data, Ingram Micro, Inc., Acrodex and others, with market coverage across the US, Canada, UK and Western Europe,” a company statement read.

Tech Data is a global leader in distribution of technology, services and solutions, it's joined Surface as a Service with their programme: Surface Advantage.

Brian Davis, senior vice president of Marketing at Tech Data says they're seeing an increased interest from their partners and customers to provide innovative ways to deliver Microsoft Surface.

“Our Surface Advantage programme combines the power and mobility of Microsoft Surface with the productivity and security of Windows 10 and Office 365,” explains Davis.

“We are proud to partner with Microsoft to address the building demand for Device-as-a-Service solutions.

Microsoft has also announced that another major distributor, Ingram Micro, is launching its Surface as a Subscription offering in October.

Under the new programme, Microsoft affirms that Ingram Micro will use end-of-term residuals to lower monthly payment plans and create more ongoing sales opportunities for channel partners.

Mike Erwin, senior director of Ingram Micro, says Surface-as-a-Subscription is a simple and sales-friendly solution that benefits both the channel partner and their customer.

“We're excited to build awareness and generate demand for Surface-as-a-Subscription and see tremendous business value and potential growth in the ‘as a subscription' service model.