Microsoft starts global rollout of retail consumer web sites
ENT News | at | by Mike
Microsoft 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.