Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) this week offered a preview of its upcoming app store for Windows 8, which will distribute Metro-style apps. At the event, the software giant revealed interesting nuggets of information such as the price range of individual apps ($1.49 to $999.99), as well as how much of a cut it will take (20 to 30 percent). 

In addition, Microsoft also made known that the store will arrive in late February together with the beta of Windows 8. And given the invite-only basis for the initial launch of the Store, users can probably expect some high-quality apps right from the get-go. 

So does Windows Store have what it takes to succeed? Various figures touted by Microsoft paint a compelling picture in spite of its late start. As reported by Ina Fried of AllThingsD, Windows Web Services VP Antoine Leblond touted the figure of 1.25 billion PCs on the planet, 500 million of which were shipped since the release of Windows 7.

When compared to the 247 million Android devices, 152 million iOS devices and 30 million Macs, Leblond observed, the reach of Windows is "just so much bigger." Moreover, the store will be localized in more than 100 languages, with developers being paid in 20 different currencies in the top 40 markets, he said.

It appears that Microsoft will take a moderate approach squarely between the virtually non-existent checks for the Android Market and Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) stringent app submission process. And developers will love this: Built-in mechanisms for in-app purchases and trial apps can be disregarded by developers if desired. Third-party ad platforms can be used, as well as third-party payment processors such as PayPal for in-app purchases.

Finally, Microsoft will support free app trials, something that isn't supported by Apple's App Store, and three different methods are offered to help enterprises manage and deploy Metro-style line-of-business apps. Thomas Claburn of InformationWeek has written an article that outlines eight ways in which the Windows 8 Store beats Apple for those who want to dive deeper.

With the release of Windows 8 still out on the horizon, it is a given that many of the advantages outlined above could well be reduced or even evaporate in the months ahead. Yet given the wealth of information that was revealed about the Windows Store so far, do you think it has the potential to be the next big thing? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this. - Paul Mah (Twitter @paulmah)