Microsoft Reader to Become Preferred Format for Amazon.com's Future E-Book Store

Strategic Insights -

Amazon.com has selected Microsoft Reader as the preferred format for its future e-Book store, under a strategic alliance announced at Seybold San Francisco/Publishing 2000. This partnership will enable consumers to purchase and download e-Book titles directly from Amazon.com and read them in Microsoft Reader format. The customized Amazon.com version of Microsoft Reader will offer a unique reading experience, combining Amazon's incredible shopping experience with the capabilities and great content available with Microsoft Reader. This marks a significant milestone for Amazon.com, demonstrating its commitment to offering customers a wide range of products, including e-Books.

Key Takeaways:

  • Amazon.com has chosen Microsoft Reader as the preferred format for its future e-Book store, signing a strategic alliance with Microsoft.
  • The partnership will allow consumers to purchase and download e-Book titles directly from Amazon.com and read them in Microsoft Reader format.
  • Microsoft Reader will be customized for Amazon.com, offering a unique reading experience that combines the capabilities and great content of Microsoft Reader with Amazon's incredible shopping experience.
  • The partnership represents a significant milestone for Amazon.com, demonstrating its commitment to offering customers a wide range of products, including e-Books.
  • Consumers can download Microsoft Reader at no charge from the Microsoft website.
  • Microsoft Reader includes ClearType display technology, which improves font resolution on LCD screens for users of desktop or laptop PCs running the Microsoft Windows operating system.
  • Microsoft Reader has been designed to adhere to the traditions and benefits of fine typography, providing a clean, uncluttered display, ample margins, and full justification.

Statistics:

  • Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in various categories, including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and software.
  • Amazon.com has over 20 million customers and participates in online auctions through Amazon.com zShops.
  • Microsoft Reader had been the first product to include ClearType display technology.
  • Microsoft, the worldwide leader in software, services, and Internet technologies, was founded in 1975.
  • Amazon.com, the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 DVD and video, and No. 1 book retailer, was established in July 1995.

Sources:

  • "Microsoft Corp. and Amazon.com Announce Strategic Alliance" (PRNewswire, August 28)
  • Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft, Seattle)
  • Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Seattle)