Microsoft offers Windows 7 and Office 2010 via download stores

[Lite]

Microsoft has for the first time allowed selected partners to sell its flagship software products as downloads. The move sees Microsoft selling Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2010 and other flagship titles via ESD (Electronic Software Delivery) at online stores.

ESD is the practice of delivering software without the use of physical media, typically by downloading via the internet. Digital distribution bypasses conventional physical distribution media, such as paper or DVDs, reducing costs and waste. As broadband connections have become more widespread software downloads have become an increasingly popular method of purchasing programs.

Traditionally Microsoft has sold the majority of its operating system software via OEM (original equipment manufacturer) deals. Manufacturers would buy Windows licences from Microsoft and pass the cost of the OS on to customers when they buy desktop PCs and laptops. Similarly, Office licences have typically been sold in large chunks to enterprises.

As digital media has become more capacious, Microsoft has targetted consumers with software DVDs sold from high street stores, with download purchases available only direct from Microsoft. Thus the decision to allow selected third-party vendors is a significant move by Microsoft.

View: Original Article

[jtmulc]

I notice there is no mention of weather or not Microsoft intends to discount digital copies or merely pocket the savings from eliminated manufacturing costs.

I'd wager the latter.

[Night Owl]

I notice there is no mention of weather or not Microsoft intends to discount digital copies or merely pocket the savings from eliminated manufacturing costs.

I'd wager the latter.

I know that Microsoft Office 2010 is much cheaper if one purchases just the Product Key Card vs. the retail box:

Office 2010 suites
                              Price
                              Estimated retail/Product Key Card
Office Home and Student       $149.99/$119.99
Office Home and Business      $279.99/$199.99
Office Standard               Available only through volume licensing; see your account representative for pricing information
Office Professional           $499.99/$349.99

[Win7nerd]

and yet they wonder why people pirate their software......lmao

[LoKz]

and yet they wonder why people pirate their software......lmao

Yup $$$$