Dell on Thursday announced users can now purchase and download Microsoft software from its Dell Download Store, and has thus become the first non-Microsoft site to offer authorized downloads of the software giant's products. Available to US clients only, users can choose from Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel and Outlook as well as Publisher, Access and OneNote, among others.
An immediate advantage of purchasing from Dell is better pricing, as the software is typically less expensive. Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007, for example, costs $139, where the suggested retail price for the boxed version of the software is $150. The lack of packaging should also appeal to the environmentally conscious, Dell argues.
A digital locker on the Dell Download Store lets customers download their purchases again without a charge in case they need to replace a hard drive or a whole computer.
Dell has previously offered music, games and non-Microsoft software downloads as well.
Source: electronista
