MS adds eShop to its buying spree

Microsoft announced today that it plans to acquire eShop, an Internet company involved in electronic commerce.

Microsoft is said to have paid under $50 million for the San Mateo, California-based company, according to the report.

The move dovetails with Microsoft's intention to boost electronic software distribution. Just last month, the company announced a set of technical specifications for its reseller chains to offer more Microsoft products on the Net.