Microsoft to debut new Windows 10 enterprise features

Microsoft is working to push further into the enterprise market by offering new features for business users of Windows 10 from next month and partnering with Dell to get more Surface devices into the office.

The new features - which will debut for Windows Insider subscibers next month and become generally available later in the year - include Microsoft's Passport authentication software, which allows Windows 10 users to sign in to applications, websites and servers without a password.

The company's Enterprise Data Protection system makes business data only accessible to privileged applications, and allows for remote wiping of enterprise data without affecting a user's personal data.

The Windows Store for Business allows employees to buy applications owned by the enterprise as well as third-party applications. The store also lets IT administrators buy applications in bulk.

Microsoft said it would deliver further "feature innovations" for enterprise customers in the future.

The company said 75 million devices were currently running Windows 10. The operating system launched on July 30.

New Surface partnerships

Microsoft also announced a 'Surface Enterprise Initiative' which aims to boost the take-up of the company's Surface Pro laptop/ tablet hybids in the enterprise.

The program involves a series of partnerships that couple the Surface Pros with enterprise services and support from other companies. Dell was today named the first partner under the program.

Dell will sell Surface Pro devices and accessories first to the US and Canada through its traditional sales channels as well as its online store from next month.

Customers who purchase the devices through Dell wil be given the option of buying a Dell-managed warranty for four years, as well as IT support, accidental damage service and configuration and deployment services.

Dell will extend the offer out to 28 other markets - including Australia - from early next year.

"Our largest global customers have told us they want to buy Surface from one partner, in one transaction and have devices deployed all over the world," Microsoft said in a blog post.

The company said HP, Accenture and Avanade were also expected to join the new program.