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Online Microsoft Store reaches Australia

IT Industry - Strategy

Microsoft Store is now open for business in Australia. The online retail site offers downloadable versions of selected Microsoft software.

Microsoft Store already operates in a number of countries, and Australia is the latest nation to join the roster.

Microsoft Store is operated in Australia by Germany-based reseller arvato digital services, which already runs the online outlets in France, Germany,  Italy, The Netherlands, Spain and the UK.

The current product lineup includes various versions of Microsoft Office 2007 (sorry Mac owners, Office 2008 isn't offered this way), individual Office applications (including OneNote, Publisher, Visio and Groove), Outlook, Flight Simulator, AutoCollage, Works, Songsmith, Expression 3, Visual Studio, and Automatic Graph Layout.

"Most consumers will always want to visit bricks and mortar retail outlets for the benefit of in-person advice and services, and that will continue to be our primary sales channel," said Karl Miklis, Windows consumer product marketing manager, Microsoft Australia.

"Additionally, there is a subset of consumers who have indicated they would like the choice to purchase software via downloads. Microsoft Store will offer an easy environment where Australians can download and buy Microsoft software online," he added.

The store's range will be expanded to include certain niche products that are not available at retail outlets (eg, language packs), and - from October 22 - Windows 7.

Microsoft Store will also provide a convenient way for Windows 7 licensees to upgrade to more feature-rich versions such as Ultimate.