Microsoft starts selling PC hardware, third-party software via its online store
The first brick-and-mortar Microsoft retail store is opening in Scottsdale, Ariz., today, October 22. But Microsoft has opened its revamped virtual store today, as well, and has added PC hardware and third-party software titles to its mix.
The online Microsoft Store opened for business last November. The online store was a replacement for Microsoft's Windows Marketplace site. When it opened, the online store only allowed users to purchase Microsoft hardware and software — games, keyboards, games and gaming consoles, Windows (client and server versions), Office and development tools. The electronic distribution capability of the online store made it an ideal complement to netbooks, Microsoft executives said.
Trevin Chow, Senior Lead Program Manager for Microsoft Store, announced Microsoft's online sales strategy via an October 21 blog post. The online Microsoft Store opened for business last November
"On the new online Microsoft Store, we’ve added a bunch of new products, including Windows 7 PCs as well as select 3rd party software and accessories. And let’s not forget a ton of gaming products that have been added including a bunch of the top selling Xbox 360 titles."
The revamped store includes machines in the desktop, laptop, netbook and accessories categories. It also is selling Zune HD media players.