Open platform-based eReading service Kobo announced that it has secured relationships with over a dozen partners that include tablet and eReader OEMs and mobile operators, including Samsung and RIM. As a result, the company gained access to more than 20 million consumers all of which are able to access a catalog of more than 2.2 million eBooks, magazines and newspapers on their portable devices.
Also as part of the plan to compete with the likes of Amazon, Kobo has started its Partner Program, enabling its partners to offer eReading solutions to their customer base. They [partners] can distribute the multi-platform Kobo eReading application and/or connect their device(s) to the Kobo eReading Service to offer millions of titles worldwide. Additionally, Kobo also provides professional services to create and develop a unique and original eReading experience that leverages compelling tablet or platform features.
Kobo sells eBooks in over 100 countries each week and offers its own eReading device that can hold up to 1000 eBooks.