Microsoft Unveils New Internet Strategy

Microsoft Corp., hoping to snare a bigger share of the growing Internet commerce market, announced a series of initiatives Thursday aimed at allowing consumers easier ways to surf and shop and giving businesses new software tools to sell their products.

Included was a new shopping service through Microsoft’s msn.com Web site that lets consumers compare prices for everything from electronics to clothing to furniture and buy them on the spot.

Microsoft also said that on Sept. 30 it will launch bCentral, an Internet gateway site to help small businesses build Web sites and market to new customers.