For Austin Innotech, having the public debut of the Microsoft Surface in Austin for the first time is a real coup for the Oct. 16 trade show. Contributing blogger, Matt Scherer, completed this interview for Austin Startup with Robert Miles, vice president of speakTECH’s Central Region about the innovative Microsoft technology platform’s debut.

Q. How was your firm able to get the Microsoft Surface for Innotech Austin?
speakTECH has a very deep relationship with Microsoft and has been working closely with them on emerging technologies, product development and innovation. Our focus on using technology to power an
extraordinary user experience and business impact for our clients make the Microsoft Surface an obvious addition to our capabilities with Mobile, Silverlight, Web 2.0 and Social Networking.

In recognition of our unique relationship, Microsoft asked us to be one of the few firms selected for the Microsoft Surface Partner program. Through this partnership, we have one of our Surface units permanently deployed in our Austin office and are thrilled to be able to showcase this exciting new platform at this year’s Innotech conference.

Q. What makes the Surface different than other computing platforms?
Microsoft Surface is a revolutionary new platform for developing applications that integrate the physical world with the digital one. We can develop applications that respond to natural hand gestures, and real-world objects, helping customers interact with technology in a way that is simple and intuitive. Here’ what will make Surface unique as compared to other computer products:

• Customers are able to interact directly content in a natural, simple, intuitive way. Users “grab”, push, slide, size, spin, flick, or twist digital objects with their hands or Microsoft Surface can interact and recognize physical objects placed on Surface.
• Microsoft Surface recognizes many points of contact simultaneously – not just from one finger as with typical touch-screen technology. Multiple users may be doing different or similar actions concurrently, which may be playing a game together or separately, viewing pictures together or separately, accessing web content or downloading music.
• The 30-inch diagonal display and horizontal, table-like Microsoft Surface creates a unique, branded gathering place where multiple users can interact with data and each other.
• Microsoft Surface “sees” what touches it and can recognize real-world objects providing the potential for a multitude of applications and transfer of information between devices, or provide detailed information or consumer content regarding an object placed on Surface.

Q. What markets are you targeting for Surface?
While much of our work is not yet public, we will be demonstrating several conceptual solutions for educators, consumer goods, media and entertainment, hospitality and social interaction for the Austin
InnoTech Conference. We are actively exploring a broad range of markets and applications where this technology can provide an immersive experience that expands the ways that people interact with computers. We are meeting and consulting with educational specialists, real estate specialist, designers and architects, and others to “brain storm” about where the unique characteristics and user experience of Microsoft Surface could take us all.