Acer CEO, JT Wang, has strongly criticized Microsoft's strategy with the Surface tablet for entering direct competition with OEM partners. While numerous hardware partners have criticized Microsoft after the Surface announcement, Wang's indictment is the strongest one yet. According to him, Microsoft's Surface tablet would be "negative for the worldwide ecosystem" and even hints at abandoning Acer's partnership with Microsoft.
Here is JT Wang's full quote on the Microsoft Surface:
We have said think it over. Think twice. It will create a huge negative impact for the ecosystem and other brands may take a negative reaction. It is not something you are good at so please think twice. If Microsoft is going to do hardware business, what should we do? Should we still rely on Microsoft, or should we find other alternatives?
When the Microsoft Surface was first announced, I stated that Microsoft may be putting OEM relationships at risk by entering the hardware business. Based on this quote, it seems like that has become a reality. If Microsoft does not manage deteriorating relationships, Acer & other OEMs may just follow HP in abandoning the Windows RT platform.
