Bloomberg reports that Microsoft is seeking to keep a tight control over its future Windows tablet ecosystem, asking its chipmaker partners to work with “no more than one” computer manufacturer. In return for agreeing to the terms, Microsoft will provide “incentives,” according to an unnamed source. It was said that the plan may help the computer giant speed the delivery of new Windows tablets to market, by keeping tighter control over partners and by accelerating development and testing. Bloomberg also notes comments from JT Wang, chairman and CEO of Acer, who suggested that various participants in the ecosystem feel that Microsoft’s attempts to control their efforts are “very troublesome.”

Currently, Microsoft has a limited presence in the tablet market using a version of its Windows 7 desktop operating system, while much of the momentum is around devices powered by “lite” operating systems such as Android and iOS. Although in the PC environment Microsoft has allowed its silicon partners to work with multiple vendors to deliver a range of products to market, it has taken a more controlling stance in the smartphone space, where it has kept a tight rein on its Windows Phone 7 ecosystem. Its attempts to limit partner efforts are not unique: Google, for example, works closely with vendors to launch “flagship” Android products, such as Motorola’s Xoom tablet. And Apple is in a largely unique position, offering hardware based on its own platforms, giving it end-to-end control.