Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Business & Technology | Google opens e-book store in challenge to Amazon | Seattle Times Newspaper

Apparently some bookstore managers have not yet realized they can sell their inventories through Amazon, or that Google’s ebook entry is only going to accelerate market dynamics that have created existential crises for many traditional booksellers

In a move that could delay closures of other retailers, Google is allowing independent book stores to sell its inventory through their own sites. More than 100 book retailers in 36 states already have agreed to team up with Google. They include Powell's in the Portland, Ore., area and online-only merchant Alibris.com.

Opening the door to book merchants who can't afford to invest heavily in technology could help some of them survive the digital transition, McQuivey said. "At least this gives them a fighting chance."

Although Google expects the lion's share of its eBooks revenue to be funneled to its partners, its portion of the sales could help the company develop another way to make money besides the Internet ads that bring most of its income. The availability of eBooks also could help boost advertising sales by giving people another reason to come to Google's website.

Business & Technology | Google opens e-book store in challenge to Amazon | Seattle Times Newspaper

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