Digital River Launches Online Shopping Services for Students

Digital River (www.digitalriver.com) has launched a new pilot Web site, www.studentoptions.com , which will allow students in the UK to purchase the latest Microsoft desktop software at huge discounts from the retail price.

"Through our industry partnership with Microsoft and Eduserv, we are pleased to be able to put software in the hands of students to help them develop important workplace skills and areas of personal interest," said Dave Alampi, Digital River's vice president of marketing.

The Web site, which is supported by Microsoft and Eduserv Athens, will give UK students access to the very best software enabling them to stay up-to-date and develop their IT skills.

David Burrows, Director of Education, Microsoft UK commented, "The Studentoptions pilot program is a significant step in broadening affordable access to the latest technology for students, which is vital to their development - we hope that they take advantage of it."

IT skills are undoubtedly valuable while at college, helping students to save time and to produce work of the highest quality. For example, Microsoft OneNote 2003 will help students to capture, organize and share their notes efficiently and effectively.

The software available will also help students develop IT skills that are increasingly essential when graduating and entering the competitive job market.

The Microsoft software available on Studentoptions also offers more than study tools and a chance to gain career-focused skills.

The products and programs will enable students to explore a range of extra-curricular interests, for example: build your own Web site using Microsoft FrontPage, download and store music, video and more with Microsoft Windows XP, create flyers for university events, newsletters and other materials in Microsoft Publisher
Since its creation Microsoft has worked with communities, educators and young people to expand the world of learning through technology.

Digital River, Inc. builds and manages online businesses for more than 40,000 software publishers, manufacturers, distributors and online retailers.