BetaONE will rise again!

Hi

I know this is not a new topic but I think that it may be of interest to users in the UK/Europe. I emailed M$ to query why only US users could buy/download Plus! DME at this time. Here is the reply I got:

Dave,

I was forwarded your email. Here's the straight scoop.

Our plan was to launch Plus DME worldwide with packaged product (as we have with Plus releases prior.). However, with the digital media focus of this release (meaning more likely that our potential customers are internet connected), smaller installer size, and our desire to offer online in addition to packaged product, we recruited reseller partners around the world to offer Plus DME digitally online.

While we are still in active discussions internationally, LTG was the first retailer out of the gate. With the excitement around the availability of Windows Media Player 9 and the fact we had a reseller (LTG) ready to offer it immediately, we proceeded. Unfortunately, LTG only accepts US based credit cards, as you know.

We're absolutely hard at work on both the packaged product (same price) from traditional resellers all over the world (coming in 30-60 days) as well as signing up more resellers to offer the digital download. There was no intent to offer this as US only at launch. Unfortunately, they were the only partners ready at this time. This was not for lack of effort on our part I assure you.

I apologize for the difficulty in obtaining Plus DME, and want to again assure you that in no way was our intent to offer the US version exclusively at launch. As soon as we have more partners signed up, we'll post to the newsgroup and the Plus DME website.

Thanks again for your interest and taking the time to provide feedback.

Sincerely,
Kevin Unangst
Director
Windows Digital Media Division

Regards

Brave01Heart