Microsoft and Adobe Systems Vie for Dominance in Electronic Publishing Market

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft and Adobe Systems have stepped up their competition by announcing rival alliances aimed at strengthening their positions in the burgeoning electronic publishing market. Microsoft's partnership with Amazon.com, the largest online bookstore, will make Microsoft's Reader software the default format for electronic books on Amazon's website. Meanwhile, Adobe Systems has agreed to acquire Glassbook, a smaller company that provides software for reading on screen, in a move to bolster its market position. The two companies are vying for dominance in a market where the adoption of electronic publishing formats is rapidly gaining momentum.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft's partnership with Amazon.com will make Microsoft's Reader software the preferred format for electronic books on Amazon's website, potentially giving Microsoft a significant market advantage.
  • The deal will see Amazon.com begin selling electronic books in Microsoft's format, with the software also being promoted on the site.
  • Adobe Systems has acquired Glassbook, a company that provides software for reading on screen, in a move to strengthen its market position.
  • The combined company will combine Glassbook's technology with Adobe's software, potentially making Adobe's format more competitive.
  • Microsoft had initially approached Amazon.com to participate in the release of its software, but the company passed before reconsidering and striking a deal.
  • Over 500,000 copies of Microsoft's new Reader software have been downloaded in the three weeks since its release.
  • Adobe's free software for reading has been downloaded over 180 million times.

Statistics:

  • 23 million customers: The number of customers Amazon.com has.
  • 6 million customers: The number of customers Barnesandnoble.com has.
  • 500,000: The number of copies of Microsoft's new Reader software downloaded in three weeks.
  • 180 million: The number of times Adobe's free software for reading has been downloaded.
  • 3: The number of weeks since the release of Microsoft's new Reader software.

Sources:

  • Microsoft announcement with Amazon.com
  • Adobe Systems acquisition of Glassbook
  • Amazon.com website
  • Microsoft news release on Reader software
  • Adobe Systems statement on software downloads