Microsoft didn't allow resellers or distributors to carry Surfaces until July of this year — despite the fact that Surface RT launched in October 2012 and Surface Pro in February 2013. And once Microsoft did add a handful of distributors to its distribution mix, it only allowed a select few distributors to sell Surface devices in the U.S. Microsoft added more distributors and countries to its list on October 1.

But it sounds like the Softies are finally ready to broaden the Surface distribution pipeline and involve lots more resellers, not just distributors.