Microsoft Previews 'Digital Locker' Downloads

Dubbed "Digital Locker," and available from Windows Marketplace Labs, the preview has only a handful of third-party Windows titles for sale and download, but when the site and service go live, Microsoft promises "a full functionality shopping catalog" of products.

Digital Locker uses Microsoft's own Passport authentication for account access, and relies on a small utility, Digital Locker Assistant, to handle downloads. The virtual lockbox stores information about each title purchased, the licensing information associated with each program, and links to the software retailer's customer support.

Digital Locker's content and back-end management is being provided by a pair of e-commerce companies, Minnesota-based Digital River and Nebraska-based eSellerate.