Digital distribution (Also known as digital delivery and Electronic software distribution) is the principle of providing digital information
and content over the Internet in the form of products or services. It has been growing steadily and increasing rapidly since the turn of the century due to the rise of consumer broadband. At the time of writing, digital distribution's
main uses include:
· Books
· Films
· Music
· Software
· Television programs
· Video games
Strength
Direct sales:
Without the need for physical manufacturing, distribution or stocking, digitally distributed products involve fewer middle men, and by doing so can return a far larger portion of their price to their creators.
Global availability:
With distribution digitally over the Internet, it automatically gains one of the strongest strengths of the Internet: Availability.
In such that any one person on the globe with an Internet connection will be able to purchase and obtain a digital copy easily. All the while reducing or outright removing delivery cost, as well as traditional waiting time.
Back catalogs:
Unlike traditional brick and mortar businesses, where there is a minimum requirement for physical products, the product does not need to be mass produced to stock retail shelves. With a single original copy, the Publisher and Developer can quickly duplicate copies to meet demands.
This can greatly cut down on the cost of maintaining back catalogs, whether it is running an actual storage facility(warehouse, file cabinet) or preserving the product(humidity control, security system). Publisher and Developers can cheaply and safely maintain a complete back catalog of products, as well as having them purchasable even when a physical copy is no longer available.
