Internet bookseller Amazon.com Inc finally got back online around 11.30 pm Wednesday night, having been down since 2pm that day. No reason has been given for the shut down, although the Seattle, Washington-based company said it was not serious and did not jeopardize the company’s databases or security. To put the down time in financial perspective, analysts reckon the company had revenues of about $137m in 1997, so a nine hour shutdown would mean missing out on sales of approximately $140,753, assuming an even spread of sales over 24 hours. Customers who visited the site during that time were offered 10% off their next purchase – providing it was made before midnight Pacific time Thursday. Amazon’s shares closed down $2.00 at $55.375.
