Ready, set, convert

Microsoft — one of the biggest and longest-standing hardware, software and online enterprises in the world — has finally launched an online Microsoft Store.

The Store was previously available to residents in the United Kingdom, Germany and Korea. Moving forward, US-based users may purchase games, software like Office 2007 or new Zunes for shipping or download (in the case of games or software), among other items.

Users concerned about downloading software, then losing the ability to reinstall those purchases down the line, are rest assured: the Microsoft Store enables them to re-download items until mainstream support for the product ends — typically five years after its initial release, writes Senior Program Manager Trevin Chow.

Chow announced the opening of the US-based online store on his blog. Calling the launch "one of the biggest highlights of my career at Microsoft," he said the Store has provided "tremendous insight, and respect for the complexities of being a retailer, doing business online, and in particular, venturing into the sale and shipment of physical goods."

For updates to the Microsoft Store, or to troubleshoot service issues, follow Chow on Twitter.