Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Readies 120 Windows App Stores

Microsoft CorporationMicrosoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has been ramping up is preparations for the launch of the much-anticipated Windows 8 operating system, and part of that preparation has included a rapid expansion of the Windows App Store for the encouragement of app developers as the new operating system is released to the world in late October.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) announced that it has added 82 more Windows App Store markets to its current stable, increasing the number to 120, which the company says is to provide app developers an opportunity “everywhere there’s a developer with desire.” The stores will be available to app developers leading up to the October 26 comsumer launch of Windows 8 and RT, which would be available in the 120 worldwide Windows Store markets.

“Throughout the Windows Store preview stages, we’ve seen fantastic interest from individual developers, large development houses and component and service providers,” said Windows Store partner program manager Ted Dworkin. “We’ve seen a great increase in both the number and diversity of apps—all during our preview milestones, before broad availability of the OS and before even the first production Windows 8 PC is in the market.”

Whether the interest by developers will translate into high commercial interest in Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and its new operating system, may be dependent on the types of apps hat are developed and approved by Microsoft for use on its new OS. But fi the enthusiasm for apps on Windows 8 is genuine and is any indicator, then Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) just might be in the running for relevance in the tablet and smartphone market. This can certainly be good news for investors like hedge-fund manager Seth Klarman of Baupost Group.