Amazon reported record third quarter figures recently. Net income was up 70% on last year at $199 million. Revenues and profits were both in excess of predicted values and a strong fourth quarter is now anticipated. The share price was up by 27% following the announcement as analysts predicted that Amazon would become the dominant web based retail outlet in the near future.
The Amazon Kindle e-book reader has been a major element of Amazon's success. Originally launched in 2007, and now in its second generation, the Kindle enjoys a 60% share of the US e-book market. Amazon has now, after a long wait, started shipping the Kindle 2 reader internationally to over 100 different countries. The Kindle DX is scheduled to start international shipping in early 2010.
This was followed, a mere two weeks later, by a further price drop and a consolidation of a single Kindle 2 reader - the Kindle international version, which now retails for $ 260. This was seen by many as a response to the announcement by Barnes and Noble of their own new "Nook" e-book reader (which also retails for which also retails for $260). Nevertheless, the focus and consolidation on the huge global market makes perfect sense for a variety of business reasons.
Apple, Microsoft, Plastic Logic and Sony all have e-book readers either in development or ready for imminent launch. The e-book market is still nascent, and it is developing and growing rapidly. Amazon have, thus far at least, enjoyed a dominant position - and the Kindle reader is now their best selling product. It does not seem at all probable that they will be inactive whilst other manufacturers overtake them.
Amazon is, of course, far from being a one trick pony. Strong growth in Amazon prime memberships was seen - which offers enhanced delivery options for a one off yearly payment. Growth was particularly strong in international markets.
A spokesman for Amazon said that Amazon would continue to grow its product range and look to expand its business geographically over time.
Fourth quarter sales for Amazon.com are expected to range between $ 8.13 billion and $ 9.13 billion.
The Amazon Kindle e-book reader has been a major element of Amazon's success. Originally launched in 2007, and now in its second generation, the Kindle enjoys a 60% share of the US e-book market. Amazon has now, after a long wait, started shipping the Kindle 2 reader internationally to over 100 different countries. The Kindle DX is scheduled to start international shipping in early 2010.
This was followed, a mere two weeks later, by a further price drop and a consolidation of a single Kindle 2 reader - the Kindle international version, which now retails for $ 260. This was seen by many as a response to the announcement by Barnes and Noble of their own new "Nook" e-book reader (which also retails for which also retails for $260). Nevertheless, the focus and consolidation on the huge global market makes perfect sense for a variety of business reasons.
Apple, Microsoft, Plastic Logic and Sony all have e-book readers either in development or ready for imminent launch. The e-book market is still nascent, and it is developing and growing rapidly. Amazon have, thus far at least, enjoyed a dominant position - and the Kindle reader is now their best selling product. It does not seem at all probable that they will be inactive whilst other manufacturers overtake them.
Amazon is, of course, far from being a one trick pony. Strong growth in Amazon prime memberships was seen - which offers enhanced delivery options for a one off yearly payment. Growth was particularly strong in international markets.
A spokesman for Amazon said that Amazon would continue to grow its product range and look to expand its business geographically over time.
Fourth quarter sales for Amazon.com are expected to range between $ 8.13 billion and $ 9.13 billion.
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Learn more about the Amazon Kindle international version. See which countries it ships to and check out the average price of books, the wireless coverage and more.