Microsoft opens online retail store

Microsoft has launched an online store allowing customers to purchase products directly from the company. The Microsoft Store has launched in the UK and Germany, and similar sites will be launched in other countries over the coming months. The site offers a range of products such as Windows Vista, Microsoft Office 2007, Works and Expression. Products will initially be available only via download, but Microsoft will add delivery of full packaged products later in the year. Additional software and hardware products will be added throughout 2008 in a phased approach. (vnunet.com 6-04-08)