Under the agreement, e-commerce outsourcer Digital River built and launched Altec Lansing's e-commerce site (alteclansing.com), selling powered audio systems and accessories. Digital River hosts the site and provides order management, 24X7 customer service, e-marketing and fraud prevention screening.

"We decided to outsource our e-commerce operations to Digital River because of the company's ability to grow its clients' online businesses," said Bob Garthwaite, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Altec Lansing. "In the competitive world of online selling, it is important to attract and retain customers and provide them with a compelling reason to purchase products. We're excited about working with Digital River as we prepare to launch an entire new line of powered audio products. We'll be working with Digital River on a variety of e-marketing strategies targeted specifically at the plug-and-play audio demographic."

Digital River CEO Joel Ronning said many of its clients include software publishers whose customers purchase "not only software, but also computer peripheral products, including pointing devices, speakers, tote bags, headsets and other similar items.

"By providing Altec Lansing access to this demographic through joint marketing programs with publishers in our client network, we are in a unique position to help the company increase its incremental sales and expand its customer base."