Getty Images have completed the integration of the leading free image site Stock.xchng into its family of companies.

The most practical aspects of those operation is that any query result into Stock.xchng website will produce:

• a first row made of five Premium Results with preview and direct link to iStockphoto website
• following rows made of results from Stock.xchng archives.

Other noticeably changes in the browse/view of an image:

• In the bottom of the page a panel shows thumbnails of the same subject in the page but coming from iStock archive
• Further down trough the page a link Affordable inspiration: royalty-free photos, illustrations, video, audio and Flash® files from iStockphoto.com invite the user to visit iStock archive.

I think all that is positive from a both customers and contributors perspective: for customers because if the needed image is not available within Stock.xchng thay can probably find it for few dollars on iStockphoto. It is good for usual iStock contributors because will drive more traffic and therefore visibility to iStock website.

Last but not least: new customer to iStockphoto who land on the subscription page coming from Stock.xchng site will have the opportunity to enjoy 10% discount on purchase of a 50 or more pay-as-you-go credits package, using the 5XC2009 Promo code on checkout. This offer is valid until June 30, 2010. No bad at all!