Dabs.com opens download shop

Online reseller Dabs.com has teamed up with digital distribution outlet Transaction One to add a software download 'shop' to its website.

Online reseller Dabs.com has teamed up with digital distribution outlet Transaction One (T1) to add a software download 'shop' to its website.

Customers will be able to download software from up to 35 vendors, including Symantec, Macromedia, MGI, Ulead and McAfee, at prices 10 per cent less than traditional boxed versions, explained T1's marketing director Niall Corduroy.

"This is definitely the model of the future," Corduroy said. He claimed users will have instant access to the software rather than having to wait for the box to arrive.

"We have noticed a willingness, particularly among consumers, to download software rather than buy actual boxes," he said.

A number of UK distributors have already launched online models, including Computer 2000 with its Intouch model, and Ingram Micro with its Licencelink scheme.

Companies with multiple desktops can download whatever software they require and then request multiple licences from the site, Corduroy explained.

"We will be interested to see how Dabs' customers react to this because unlike our other e-tailer partners, which are mainly consumer oriented, Dabs has a good percentage of business customers as well," he said.

All technical support and advice for the software will be provided by T1, Corduroy said.

Jonathan Wall, sales and marketing director at Dabs.com, said he also believed that downloading software will ultimately replace box-shifting.

The uptake among businesses will not get going for at least another 18 months, Wall estimated. But Dabs is confident that the shop will be a success, he said.

However, some resellers do not believe that the online model will replace traditional methods.

"Our customers like the services we provide, such as advice on licensing, and their IT infrastructure, which is just not as dedicated on the web," said one reseller, who wished to remain anonymous.

Some software vendors still see selling boxed product as a more effective way of reaching the SME market.