Eee PC Online Services

In order to boost demand for their low cost Eee PC, ASUSTek already offer a range of downloads and internet storage options. Digitimes writes:

In order to strengthen demand for Eee PCs, Asustek Computer recently launched Eee Storage, a 20GB Internet hard drive service, and Eee Download, to provide Eee PC users more additional features, according to Jerry Shen, president of the company.

Currently, Eee Download has around 3,000 free software and game titles available for Eee PC users to download. Asustek is planning to expand the service into an online store enabling users to download music and various other content. The service will initially target the Chinese-language market and will be rolled out for Eee family, as well as Asustek's notebook and motherboard products.

I think this actually makes good sense considering the storage limitations of the Eee PC (Linux models have, as I recall a maximum of 20 GB). Also, the download center offering a bunch of additional benefits and an online store will certainly make the offering more complete and more appealing. I haven't heard of any other low cost PC companies willing to offer such a complete service for their low cost PCs (netbooks).

However one feels this is mixing business models and requires significant divesification on the part of ASUS. Online storage companies already exist and users can buy as much or as little as desired. Online storage companies also have features such as and directory sharing. Online stores are also two to a penny and ASUS will have to offer significant benefits as compared to the current e-commerce vendors spawning the internet to generate a successful site.

ASUS should be commended for adding value to their brand and trying to develop comprehensive product offerings, but I feel they are just reinventing the wheel. Or perhaps they are copying the Apple iPod where the hardware and online services were viewed as an integrated solution. Time will tell whether or not these online services can drive demand.

Digitimes: Asustek launches Eee Storage and Download services