Microsoft and the NFL: Exemplifying digital transformation in sports

In addition to the Sideline Viewing System that coaches and players use, there is a new way that Microsoft Surface will be transforming the game this season.

Surface Pro 4 is an integral part of the new Instant Replay system.

Instant Replay

Over the last four years, Microsoft Surface has helped empower players and coaches to make better, faster and more accurate decisions on the sidelines and in the coach’s booths.

Beginning this season, NFL referees will have a similar on-field experience as other NFL personnel by utilizing Microsoft Surface throughout the updated Instant Replay process.

As already seen during the preseason, in all NFL stadiums this season, there will be two portable instant-replay systems, one at each end of the field. Each will feature a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and a headset that will be brought directly to referees on the field when they need to review a call or during a coach’s challenge, enabling faster access. Video will stream to the Surface devices via a wired connection, allowing the referee to review the play while conferring with the in-stadium instant replay booth as well as the NFL in New York. Final decisions will be made by the NFL officiating staff in New York in consultation with the referee.

An Instant Replay system is positioned at each end of the field, ready to be deployed.

Referees reviewing a play on the new Instant Replay system featuring Surface Pro 4.

With other aspects of the replay system already running on Windows 10, Microsoft is excited to support the NFL replay system from start to finish with the addition of Microsoft Surface on the field.

Surface as an end-to-end solution

The power and versatility of Microsoft Surface make it a valuable tool for players, coaches, referees and front office personnel as the game evolves. Surface and Windows 10 together offer unparalleled versatility that can adapt to handle the technology demands of an NFL game or organization.

Microsoft is proud to have every NFL team using Microsoft Surface within their organization in some capacity. Ranging from Surface devices serving as playbooks, to film reviews being conducted on Surface Hubs, to in stadium usage to business operations teams using Surface devices in their front office. It is clear that NFL teams have embraced Microsoft as a true technology partner.

Medical devices

In addition to the expanded use of Microsoft Surface in Instant Replay and the use of Microsoft products in team operations, this season, each NFL team’s medical staff will also be able to use Surface while making real-time decisions about player safety and health on the sidelines. Medical staffs will have access to the NFL’s Game Management System, an app that displays key moments in every game and allows for data collection and sharing across games.

As the official technology partner of the NFL, we are excited about the expanded role that our products will play this season. Both in the games themselves and in how NFL teams run their businesses. Here’s to a great season!

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