Microsoft has announced it is to roll out its newly launched Surface at retail outlets across the globe before the end of 2012, with production being ramped up accordingly.The company also plans to extend its 'holiday stores'  temporary retail outlets established for Surface's launch  in order to cope with demand throughout the festive period, with many becoming permanent retail outlets."Our plan has been to expand the retail presence for Surface after the first of the year," said corporate VP of retail sales and marketing Steve Schueler."Based on interest from retailers, we are giving them the option to carry Surface with Windows RT even earlier."Microsoft claims the public demand for Surface  currently only available in RT form, with Windows 8 SKUs set to launch in January  has been "exciting", and that production has been "increased" to cope with the coming demand.It's a statement that flies in the face of rumours that Surface production was being scaled down following poor sales - a story initially published by DigiTimes [login required].The website claimed Surface shipment estimates were being reduced following a slower than expected launch  a statement that, until now, remained unchallenged by Microsoft.However, despite the fact that the company is still yet to publish any official sales or shipment figures, those ordering Surface units from Microsoft's website are still being informed they may face delays, with a pre-order rush having resulted in many launch units not making it to consumers ready for day one.[source: Microsoft