Microsoft spreads the Surface with more developers

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 14 July 2009 12:48

IT Industry - Development

After an initial period during which the Surface SDK was only available to selected companies, Microsoft has lowered the drawbridge to admit more than 640,000 registered developers.

Microsoft Surface provides a 30in multi-touch display mounted as a tabletop. This allows several people to use the system together, with multiple touches and gestures being simultaneously recognised.

The idea is that users have the illusion of interacting directly with the objects shown on the screen, without needing a mouse or keyboard as an intermediary.

Surface can also recognise objects placed on the screen if they are fitted with identification tags.

Early commercial applications included an in-store information system for AT&T, games and drink ordering for the iBar in Las Vegas.

More recently, the device has spread into the financial services, healthcare, automotive and public sector markets, and Surface is available to commercial customers in 14 geographic markets.

Existing Microsoft partners can join the Surface Partner Community and gain access to the Surface SDK by signing up at Surface QuickStart.

One developer already working on Surface applications warns that non-IT skills may be important for success.

“It definitely requires a good blend of technology and design to be successful. Most software developers do not have design background and, in many cases, do not have the interest or ability in this area," said Greg Brill, CEO of Infusion Development.

"Similarly, most designers are not especially technical when it comes to actual software development. For us, it's been helpful to have each of the formal disciplines to begin learning and understanding key aspects of the other to build successful Microsoft Surface applications," he added.

Infusion has created Surface applications for the healthcare and financial services markets, including one for Barclays Bank.