Dell Download Store has added Microsoft software products to the lineup of offerings available to customers. And fact is that buyers are bound to get a better deal on Microsoft software on the Dell Download Store than they are on the Microsoft Store. At least for the time being. The US PC manufacturer offers only various editions of the Office 2007 System, or components of the productivity suite for sale at this point in time, all with consistent price reductions compared to the deals the Redmond company has for customers. Office Home & Student 2007 for example is $129.99 compared to $149.95; Office Small Business 2007 costs just $400.99 versus $449.95, Office Professional 2007 is $448.99 and not $499.95; while Microsoft Office Standard 2007 has a price tag of $352.99 down 12% from $399.95.

In addition to Microsoft itself, Dell is now the only other company authorized to sell and distribute the software giant's products. “Broadband Internet access opens up some cool possibilities. Downloading software is one example,” stated Lionel Menchaca, chief blogger, Dell. “We’ve been offering productivity apps via the Dell Download Store since January this year. Now there’s one more reason to visit the store: it’s become the first non-Microsoft site authorized to download popular Microsoft Office software like Word, Excel and Outlook.”

As Menchaca stated, Microsoft's Office 2007 System and standalone component programs are being offered “unboxed” as Dell has put it, namely for Download. The same is the case for the Office 2007 offerings live on Microsoft Store. And just like the Redmond company, Dell is applauding not only the cost advantages and the additional flexibility for consumers, but also the environmental advantages. Recently, the software giant revealed that Office 2007 available for download was up to eight times greener compared to an Office 2007 DVD.

“Weekly traffic to the Dell Download Store has grown to about 10,000 visitors who like the idea of purchasing software when and how they want it. Prices are good too. We offer software from companies like Microsoft, McAfee, Intuit, CA and Webroot and more,” Menchaca added. “Since the Dell Download Store is all about unboxed software (as in no packaging material) and lower distribution costs, it’s also part of our green packaging strategy.”