The Microsoft Store is a relatively new store for Windows applications run by Microsoft.
You might say it is a Microsoft hosted download site, but it is more than that. Software applications have to be what Microsoft calls Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps before they can be added. UWP apps use a whole new framework.
Fortunately Microsoft provide a desktop bridge to allow older WinForms and WPF software applications to be wrapped up in a suitable form for the store.
The advantages of having an app in the store is that Microsoft will provide the functionality for updates, credit card processing and licensing. It can take some time to write this functionality yourself and get it right.
The thing is that the Microsoft Store is only for Windows 10. If you are writing business software, you need to support Windows 7 and 8. So you will already need to have your own licensing code, update code, the means to prevent your software being reverse compiled and purchasing code.
In the short-term, you will have to have two versions of your software. One for the Windows Store and for selling outside of the store. All diversions from the real business of adding functionality.
Why did I choose to write about the Microsoft Store today? Well I saw an article on download.com concerning Microsoft slashing their cut of revenue from 30 to 5%.
Kaira On Software 