Apple and Google have certainly made their stamp in the tablet market with their iOS and Android powered tablets, but who is to say that they can’t be outdone? However fragmented the tablet market may be there’s no ruling out a dominator of tomorrow.

MS Surface to Contend with iPad, Android Tablets

Microsoft managed to generate a lot of buzz this week upon the announcement of two Microsoft Surface tablets, scheduled for release in the fall. Coming from an accredited name won’t hurt either tablet’s case, but it won’t help them either. Microsoft made its mark with excellent software for desktops but has yet to jump out in front in either the smartphone or tablet markets.

Months away from their release date, we’ve merely scratched the surface of who will be most excited to get one of these tablets right away. Needless to say, these tablets figure to draw attention from a particular demographic: mobile workers who still haven’t quite figured out how to transition fully to tablet or smartphone. Though interested in branching out and getting more work done on the go, they can’t help but rely on Windows operating system they’ve come to love on their desktop and laptop computers.

Mobile Device Manageable

In the event that these tablets are a hit with this crowd, IT directors need assurance that mobile users will remain on lockdown with mobile device management (MDM) in accordance with their company’s bring your own device (BYOD) policy. A recent post by MSPMentor calls to question whether Surface tablets can be managed and secured in the workplace.

A current supporter of Windows Phone devices (and more prevalent iPhone, iPad and Android based smartphones and tablets), MaaS360’s cloud-based MDM platform will offer support for Surface tablets upon their release. Whether users select a Windows 8 Pro or Windows RT equipped Surface to bring the office, IT will have the ability to manage them, rest assured.