Microsoft will offer the high-end version of its Windows 10 software to small businesses via a cloud-based subscription for the first time. The company will also rent Surface tablets for a monthly fee. Starting from this fall, businesses will be able to get enterprise-grade security and management capabilities at $7 a seat per month through the Cloud Solution Provider channel.

Microsoft's Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partners will be able to provide a subscription to Windows 10 Enterprise Edition as part of a managed service offering.

Microsof's partners can offer their business customers the 'full IT stack' from Microsoft, including Windows 10, Office 365, Dynamics Azure and CRM as a per user, per month offering through a single channel, which businesses can scale up or down as their needs change.

Surface as a Service Program and Additions to the

Microsoft is also expanding the Surface Enterprise Initiative with a set of new partnerships and programs.

Microsoft's Cloud Solution Providers (who are also Surface Authorized Distributors) will eb able to offer Surface devices through a managed service offering to all of Microsoft's resellers and customers, alongside managed cloud services, Office 365, Windows 10, and relevant ISV software.

Microsoft launched this program with ALSO, a CSP out of Europe, and plans to expand this program globally.

In addition, Microsoft is expanding its Surface Multi-National Purchasing Program with the addition of CDW, Insight, SHI and Zones. Now, each of these resellers can provide their enterprise customers Surface devices and accessories.

Last year, Microsoft partnered with Dell as part of the Surface Enterprise Initiative. Today the company is expanding the Surface Enterprise Initiative with two new partnerships with IBM and Booz Allen Hamilton to deliver industry specific solutions to their customers. IBM will draw on their data and analytics expertise to create new industry-specific solutions for the financial services and consumer packaged goods sectors that take advantage of the capabilities of Surface devices. Booz Allen Hamilton will develop scalable and more secure solutions for Governments, the Public Sector and Healthcare.