Web Sites to Get Free Use of Amazon Content

Amazon.com Inc. will let other Web site operators use some of the company’s content and technology free of charge as the Internet retailer looks to bolster sales by increasing customer traffic.

Amazon.com Web Services will offer software and other features to Internet site developers, the company said. That includes the use of search and display functions for merchandise that can be purchased at Amazon.com.

The new offering will work in conjunction with another program that lets Web site owners earn referral fees for including links that lead to purchases at Amazon.com. Seattle-based Amazon.com has been expanding with new sites and is considering adding apparel sales to increase revenue.