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Microsoft Starts Global Rollout of Retail Consumer Web Sites
Microsoft Corp. is now selling its wares directly to consumers.
Microsoft Corp. is now selling its wares directly to consumers.
This week, the company launched the Microsoft Store -- a Web site where consumers
can purchase Vista, Office, Microsoft Works and the new Web design product Expression
directly from Microsoft -- in the U.K.
and Germany.
Currently, the software purchased through the sites are delivered via electronic
download, although the company said it expects to offer "full packaged
products" by the end of 2008.
Previously, all direct sales have gone through Microsoft's retail channel and
other partners.
"The Microsoft Store brings together a wide range of consumer products
for the first time, allowing customers to explore and purchase products directly
from Microsoft through a single, online experience," commented Alex Reeve,
business group director at Microsoft U.K., in an e-mailed statement. "The
launch in the U.K. and Germany represent the first step in a global rollout."
According to Reeve, more stores will roll out this year and next, but the company
would not say when a U.S. Microsoft Store is scheduled to debut. "We are
currently unable to commit to an exact timeline as the platform will be based
on both consumer experience and feedback, with the end experience being our
ultimate priority," Reeve said.
In its press release announcing the new sites, Microsoft appeared to also be
addressing partner concerns, saying that the sites are a complement to the company's
"existing, valued, sales channel" and that it supports Microsoft's
"existing retail partnerships with full product information."
"Our goal is to offer a seamless, intuitive service to consumers who want
to obtain our software products from Microsoft," Reeve said in a statement
in the press release. "However, Microsoft remains absolutely committed
to its investment in the retail partner channel."
In response to a question about whether partners should be concerned about
the new sites, Reeve repeated that Microsoft is committed to its retail partners,
adding: "The Microsoft Store is the first time all of Microsoft's software
products have been available in one place, offering the end user all the information
required to make an informed buying decision, either from Microsoft directly
or from a licensed retail partner."
He continued, "We will address the demand from customers who want to purchase
directly from Microsoft. Microsoft already offers Office products direct through
a number of ESD channels (pre-installed/downloadable trial conversion, Office
Ready PC) with little impact on the channel."
About the Author
Becky Nagel is the former editorial director and director of Web for 1105 Media's Converge 360 group, and she now serves as vice president of AI for company, specializing in developing media, events and training for companies around AI and generative AI technology. She's the author of "ChatGPT Prompt 101 Guide for Business Users" and other popular AI resources with a real-world business perspective. She regularly speaks, writes and develops content around AI, generative AI and other business tech. Find her on X/Twitter @beckynagel.