Dell, Amazon.com Link Web Sites

Amazon.com and Dell Computer Corp. Wednesday entered a marketing agreement that will link the companies’ Web sites and offer customized content for Amazon.com and Dell customers.

Financial details were not disclosed.

Beginning Wednesday both companies will launch links from the checkout areas of their sites that connect to new co-branded Dell and Amazon.com home pages. The deal marks the first time either company has linked to another e-tail site.

Recently Dell debuted its online superstore for computer products, gigabuys.com and said it sells more than $14 million in products daily on the Internet, accounting for 25 percent of its business. Dell expects to conduct 50 percent of its business online by the end of the year 2000. The Dell site garners more than 25 million Web site visits per quarter, and has unique Web pages for 44 countries in 21 languages.

“Dell and Amazon.com have a shared vision of the future of online shopping,” said Michael Dell, chairman and CEO. “That vision is to use the Web to deepen direct relationships with customers and deliver unique value and unparalleled service. Dell and Amazon.com will each offer our mutual customers customized services, competitive price and easy navigation.”

“Amazon.com is obsessively focused on providing our customers the best possible online shopping experience, with the best selection, ease of use, and prices,” said Jeffrey Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. “Dell has a track record of providing excellent customer service, and it’s natural for our companies to begin to work together to provide customers enhanced benefits.”