In a surprise move that no one saw coming, Microsoft has begun selling computers in its online store.

It seems that today’s launch of Windows 7 wasn’t the only big announcement for the company as its online store has started selling computers from multiple manufacturers.

While Oct. 22nd has long been known as the day Microsoft would unleash Windows 7, the long awaited replacement for the much maligned Windows Vista, the big surprise is the addition of computers from Acer, Alienware, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, Gateway, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba to its online store.  As Ina Fried at CNET News points out, this move was expected with the launch of the retail store fronts is opening, but no one knew it was also going to happen online.

This is certainly a wise move for Microsoft as it gives consumers all that more reason to come to its online store, giving them a chance to compare systems from multiple manufacturers in one place, but you do have to wonder what Microsoft is getting from the deal.  Will it be earning a commission from each sale placed through the store, or are they doing this simply as a courtesy to consumers?  The latter is highly doubtful, but you never know for sure.

Beyond the addition of notebooks, desktops, netbooks and all-in-one systems, Microsoft also added items such as software from third party companies such as Adobe and Norton, as well as many accessories from multiple companies that include items like keyboards, cords, mice, web cams and more.

This bold move from the Redmond,WA-based company seems to be a direct commentary towards Apple’s popular online store.  It is already well-known that the retail stores have a definite Apple retail store type look to them, so this seems like a natural extension to carry it into the online world.

Related:

Entry was posted on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 2:09 pm under Ecommerce, Microsoft.

Read more entries by Sean P. Aune.
Stumble It!