Today at its Worldwide Partner Conference, Microsoft Corp. introduced Windows� Marketplace, an upcoming shopping and downloading site that will provide customers with one-stop access to software, hardware and peripherals that work with the Windows platform. This new offering provides a cost-effective way for participating partners to work with Microsoft and CNET Networks to gain exposure to millions of potential customers through online shopping and electronic software distribution -- all in one place. Windows Marketplace also will make it easy for customers to navigate, find, try and buy thousands of compelling products to meet their needs and enhance their Windows computing experience. Windows Marketplace is scheduled to launch to end-user customers in the United States this fall, but Microsoft is giving partners an early opportunity to get their products into the Marketplace before it becomes available publicly.

"Windows Marketplace is a significant opportunity for partners to get connected to the millions of Windows customers. We are optimizing the site for customers to enable them to discover and experience the full breadth and depth of the Windows ecosystem," said Will Poole, senior vice president of the Windows Client Business at Microsoft. "Windows Marketplace is made richer by working with trusted partners, like CNET, to deliver the rich information Windows customers need."

CNET Networks is expected to provide Windows Marketplace pricing and product information for over 100,000 hardware, software and peripherals products. CNET's network of merchants numbers in the hundreds and includes major players such as Dell Inc., hpshopping.com, IBM Corp., Fujitsu Computer Products of America Inc., IbuyDigital.com Inc., Sony Electronics Inc., BUY.COM Inc., Best Buy Company Inc., Circuit City Stores Inc. and TigerDirect Inc. CNET Download.com (http://www.download.com/), one of the Web's leading electronic software libraries offering trialware and shareware, is expected to provide approximately 20,000 downloadable software products that support Windows.