Acer CEO on Microsoft Surface: “It is not something you are good at so please think twice”

Microsoft’s hardware partners are definitely not happy about the Microsoft Surface. Moreover, Acer chief executive spelled it right out, straight and honest to Microsoft: “It is not something you are good at so please think twice.”

That was the advice JT Wang, Acer’s CEO, gave to Microsoft about its upcoming Surface tablet.

The reason? The device will compete directly with other tablets from manufacturers like Acer, HP, Dell and others, and this alone would be “negative for the worldwide ecosystem.”

Wang reiterated that Microsoft should think twice, and while other manufacturers have kept comfortably quiet, it seems that the Acer chief executive is spelling out the thoughts of not just Acer, but other companies as well.

Microsoft seems to understand that it could break a well-working relationship where it provides the platform and others are competing in hardware, but the company obviously considers that tablets and smartphones have disrupted the industry so much that it needs to step up with a product of its own.

“Our Surface devices will compete with products made by our OEM [original equipment manufacturer] partners, which may affect their commitment to our platform,” Microsoft admitted in a regulatory filing earlier.

While Wang criticized Microsoft’s initiative to go into hardware, he was excited about Windows 8 and the optimization for touch. Still, Acer felt challenged by the Surface tablet and has at least discussed whether it should stay with Microsoft or find alternatives.

source: FT