Given that Amazon already sells software in boxes, it’s not so surprising that it has has taken the next logical step, and launched a download section.

“You can now purchase a software title and download it directly to your computer, with no shipping, no wasted packaging, and no waiting,” said Amazon.

Currently all you can buy and download is TurboTax software for the PC (TurboTax is designed to help US residents with their tax return). However, Amazon promises more software is coming for Windows XP, Vista, as well as Mac.

“Our Windows XP and Windows Vista offerings will continue to grow in number, so check back frequently to download new titles. And if you’re a Mac user, be sure to visit us again soon since your applications are on their way,” the company said.

How the system works is that you need to install Amazon’s “downloader” on your computer, which then allows you to buy and download the software. A free sample download is available if you want to try out the system without buying anything.

The TurboTax software currently on offer  is only available to US residents.

While Amazon isn’t the first to offer software downloads, the fact that it is Amazon, makes this an interesting development. And what will be very interesting to watch is to see how the download section develops.

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Entry was posted on Sunday, January 6th, 2008 at 2:58 pm under Amazon, Ecommerce, Internet, Software.

Read more entries by John Pospisil.
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