Microsoft to make Vista available online
Microsoft Corp. will make its new Windows Vista operating system available for sale and download online, marking a new step for the software company, which has previously sold Windows only on packaged discs or pre-loaded on computers.
A relatively low number of computer users are likely to get Vista by downloading it from the Internet. But the mere availability indicates that Microsoft is fiddling with distribution methods for the extremely profitable franchise at the core of its business.
The download program, announced late Wednesday by the Redmond, Washington-based software maker, will also include the Office 2007 line of software when both are released for consumers January 30.
At least initially, the huge downloads will be available in North America only.
Far more commonly, consumers will get Vista already installed on new PCs bought after January 30.
