Windows media apps available across the web

Microsoft plans to expand its ecommerce efforts and will offer downloads of its media software through more than 200 retailers.

The software maker on Tuesday announced details of a new relationship with ecommerce services provider Digital River. Under the arrangement Microsoft Plus Digital Media Edition package will be made available for download at scores of websites. The media software will be marketed in a handful of top US retail chains, including BestBuy, CompUSA, OfficeMax and Staples.

Plus Digital Media Edition is a set of tools meant to enhance photo, music and movie applications working with Microsoft's Windows XP operating system.

Microsoft has been selling downloads of Plus Digital Media Edition from its website since last year through a partnership with License Technologies Group, an ecommerce management specialist. For the most part, the company still relies on traditional brick-and-mortar retail and manufacturer distribution channels to get its products into customers' hands. Microsoft representatives said the Digital River pact will help Redmond develop future strategies for software distribution.

Several of the retail partners have already begun selling the media package through their sites, including CompUSA and OfficeMax, which both have the product listed for $19.95, the same price Microsoft charges at its own Download Center.

The software giant has been expanding its download sales capabilities on several fronts of late. The company, for instance, recently signed a deal with CinemaNow to offer movie and TV show downloads through its MSN portal site. Microsoft is also expected to launch its own online digital music store later this week, putting the software giant in direct competition with Apple Computer and its popular iTunes service.

Matt Hines writes for CNET News.com