While the new system has the potential to replace paper-printed materials on the sidelines, that's not what the Redmond-based company hopes to accomplish, not yet at least. The Sideline Viewing System won't be required to be utilized by NFL teams, but they will all have it at their disposal week in and week out, should they choose to want to integrate it into their workflow. A representative from Microsoft told Engadget the company doesn't "want to force anything," adding that, ultimately, it is up to individual players and coaches to figure out what they want to do and use the methods best suited for them.

Moreover, Microsoft says the Surface Pro 2s are owned by the NFL and not the teams, telling us that the tablets were heavily modified inside and out. Sure, these devices are capable of handling water, snow and extreme heat temperatures, but here's one thing they can't handle: third-party apps. In other words, don't expect Johnny Football to be Instagramming while he's warming up on the bench. Along those same lines, the Surface tablets on the field operate under a private network created by the NFL, which is how the league plans to keep the sensitive photo-viewing app closed off and away from any potential intruders.

It's worth noting this isn't the first time Microsoft has made its way to NFL sidelines, as it had done so in the past through the placement of really, really big Surface logos everywhere, as well as many other things behind the scenes. For now, we'd say this is much better. The Sideline Viewing System is making its debut tonight, during this year's preseason opener game, between the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants.