Business users were always the most likely to be interested in Microsoft's Surface tablet - so what do tech chiefs make of it so far?

Initial enthusiasm among CIOs for Microsoft's Surface seems to be cooling. Josh Lowensohn/CNET News

Business users were always the most likely to be first in line for Microsoft's Surface tablet as they want a tablet that can fit with their existing Windows desktop infrastructure. But it seems that excitement about the device has started to wane among at least some of the technology chiefs on TechRepublic's CIO Jury.

When asked, "Does Microsoft's Surface tablet provide a real alternative to the iPad for enterprise users?" the TechRepublic CIO Jury narrowly voted yes, by seven votes to five. But when asked the same question a year ago, before the launch of the tablet, the answer was a resounding yes, with 10 votes for and only two against, suggesting that Microsoft has failed to capitalise on significant early enthusiasm from enterprise decision makers.

Microsoft recently revealed that it has generated $853m from its Surface line-up since first releasing the product line in October last year. Analyst firm IDC estimates that Microsoft shipped 900,000 Surface RT and Pro devices in the first quarter of 2013. But these are tiny numbers compared with Apple's shipments of iPads, and Microsoft has recently cut the prices of both the Windows RT version and the enterprise-focused Pro model.

Microsoft's laptop in tablet form

In their comments to TechRepublic, members of the CIO Jury ranged from very optimistic to seriously underwhelmed by Microsoft's "laptop in tablet form", which Microsoft hopes can stop Apple's iPad and a variety of Android-powered slates undermining its position on the enterprise desktop.

Andrew Paton, group manager IT services at Rondo International, said the main attraction of the Surface was that you can still use all traditional Windows software, with additional touch-based applications coming through.

"It is a far better alternative to the iPad as it is manageable through already-in-place and existing enterprise tools that do not require a new skillset. In other words you can have a manageable standard operating environment in no time. Connections to all the normal peripheral devices and monitors are also an often overlooked and important advantage over the iPad," he said.

And David Wilson, IT manager at VectorCSP, added: "I don't see the iPad as a business tool in most cases. It's a blown-up phone. The Surface is a computer. There is a real difference."

Jerry Justice, IT director with SS&G Financial Services, said Microsoft had caused "mass consumer confusion" by offering the RT version of Surface but went on: "I think the Pro version with a slightly bigger screen would contend as a dual desktop replacement/mobile corporate device."

Joshua Grossetti, director of IT at Triumvirate Environmental, said the Surface is too big and bulky to be compared with the iPad, and the interface is not nearly as elegant and streamlined as iOS. But he said it might still find some enterprise fans: "Whereas in many instances the iPad is a great supplement to a laptop, as opposed to a replacement, the Surface may excel in being a better replacement for the laptop."

Need for Windows on a tablet

For some tech chiefs, the Surface appeals because they need Windows on a tablet. For example, Brian Wells, associate CIO at Penn Medicine, said: "In the healthcare industry many vendors do not offer a web client for their apps. To use them natively, you need a tablet that supports touch but also can run Windows. Tablets from Dell and Lenovo can meet that requirement. iPads and Android slates require using Citrix or remote desktop to achieve a similar experience, which requires a higher investment in back-end infrastructure."

Similarly John Gracyalny, VP IT at SafeAmerica Credit Union, said: "When my core vendor certifies with Windows 8, it will be the only tablet that will be able to run our user GUI software."

But not all tech leaders are so impressed. Jeff Focke, director of IT for Electrical Distributors Inc, said: "So far, my personal experience does not even have the Surface come close to the functionality I need to have it be a real alternative to an iPad (or even a few other options)."

And Thomas Galbraith, director of IT, US District Court, Southern District of Illinois, said technically speaking, the Surface may offer some superior features, such as local storage, but that the device may never get the opportunity to be assessed in a pure technical arena among major enterprises.

"The reason is that the Surface is already so far behind in the battle for the hearts and minds that the technical merits are virtually irrelevant at this point. The iPad and, to a secondary degree, Android devices already occupy the branding position and are in the mental forefront of nearly every enterprise employee. Those two brands/devices are the leaders in the consumer space, and it is that consumer space that is now encroaching into enterprise IT strategy."

Surface's price barrier

Gavin Whatrup, group IT director at marketing services company Creston, said Surface could make a breakthrough, but not at the current price.

"Functionally, the Surface Pro, with additional keyboard, is almost (but not quite) an ultrabook replacement. Speed, screen quality and portability are all top notch. But cost, screen size, connectivity and storage are all limiting factors. Why pay an ultrabook price for a fraction of the functionality?" Whatrup said.

"Also, the Surface doesn't have the emotional 'Velcro' of the iPad. So there is no overriding incentive to go for the Pro. Cut the price by 50 percent – yes, that much – and it may start to gain some traction."

Matthew Oakley, group head of IT at Schroders, said: "Surface isn't the game changer; it is Windows 8 on a tablet. The Lenovo tablet is brilliant. My iPad is gathering dust."

But Duncan James, infrastructure manager at Clarion Solicitors, said: "The bottom line is that they're not desirable items. We haven't had any requests for one to date".

That lack of demand means developers will feel little need to create specifically for Surface, he said: "If there's no demand, they simply won't waste their time to develop for the Surface."

This week's CIO Jury was:

Delano Gordon, CIO at Roofing Supply Group

Brian Wells, associate CIO at Penn Medicine

David Wilson, director of IT services at Vector CSP

Jeff Focke, director of IT at Electrical Distributors

Tom Galbraith, director of IT at US District Court, Southern District of Illinois

Joshua Grossetti, director of IT at Triumvirate Environmental

Juergen Renfer, CIO at Kommunale Unfallversicherung Bayern

Gavin Whatrup, group IT director at Creston

Matthew Oakley, group head of IT at Schroders

Neil Harvey, IT director at Sindlesham Court

Jerry Justice, IT director at SS&G Financial Services

Keith Murley, manager of information systems at Schimenti Construction

Want to be part of TechRepublic's CIO Jury and have your say on the hot issues for IT decision-makers? If you are a CIO, CTO, IT director or equivalent at a large or small company, working in the private sector or in government, and you want to join TechRepublic's CIO Jury pool, or you know an IT chief who should, then get in contact.

Either click the Contact link below or email me, steve dot ranger at techrepublic dot com, and send your name, title, company, location, and email address.