• February 16, 2009

Microsoft has taken a cue from Apple, Sony and Pioneer. The Redmond, Wash. company will open retail stores and is placing David Porter at the helm as corporate VP.

Porter, who comes to Microsoft from DreamWorks Animation as head of worldwide product distribution, will lead Microsoft's efforts to create a better PC and Microsoft retail purchase experience for consumers. He will report to Microsoft COO Kevin Turner.

Porter steps into his role today by first mapping the timeline and location of Microsoft-branded stores with the aim of creating one-on-one experiences with consumers--a task that should come naturally for the entertainment industry executive.

For instance, Microsoft supports some AT&T retail stores with Surface, a touch-sensitive tabletop kiosk that recognizes features in objects placed on the surface, such as mobile phones. AT&T installed a handful of select stores in April 2008.--Laurie Sullivan