Surface Pro set to land in the UK next Thursday

Microsoft confirms tablet will be available through its online store next week with prices starting at £719

UK businesses can get their hands on the Surface Pro before the end of next week, Microsoft has confirmed.

The business-focused device will launch in the UK next Thursday 23 May, but the vendor has remained typically tight-lipped about whether or not the channel will have access to it, despite pleas from partners.

Microsoft has estimated that the 64GB version will set UK customers back £719, while its 128GB tablet will cost £799 – a price the vendor described as "exceptional value".

So far, Microsoft has only confirmed that the Pro tablet will be available through its online store, but shortly after the UK launch of its consumer-focused Surface RT tablet launch last year, it revealed John Lewis would be able to sell it.

Microsoft claims the Surface Pro is designed to showcase the Windows 8 Pro operating system (OS) and enables users to "work easy, play hard, and connect with the people who matter to them".

The new OS – hailed as the "new era" for Microsoft – has had a shaky start since its launch, with some analysts blaming it for pushing the PC market into further trouble.

The coming launch of its Windows Blue update – or Windows 8.1 – also came under fire last week as the vendor defended itself after the Financial Times claimed it was doing a U-turn by bringing back something similar to the Start button.

Microsoft's UK Surface lead Robert Epstein said the response to its Surface RT product has been great and added that there has been strong anticipation for the Surface Pro in the UK.

He added: "We are excited to be able to offer people a fully blown Windows 8 PC packed with powerful processing features in the innovative Surface design."