ASK AN EXPERT: WHAT IS DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION?

According to some digital distribution expert witnesses, futurist trends experts and app store consultants, the practice refers to the delivery or distribution of media content such as software, videos, music, ebooks, and games over the internet. Depending on who you ask, a number of individuals may differ in their exact definitions, however. Nonetheless, several digital distribution expert witnesses might suggest that various aspects of digital distribution could include…

• Delivery is electronic rather than physical. Rather than buying a physical disc or cartridge from a store, consumers download the content directly to their device over the internet.
• Content is delivered immediately. There is no need to manufacture physical copies and ship them to retailers. As soon as payment is received, the content can be downloaded, per digital distribution expert witnesses and consultants.
• Lower distribution costs. There are no costs for physical manufacturing, packaging, or shipping. Digital files can be replicated almost infinitely at negligible cost.
• Flexible monetization models. Digital content can be sold individually on an à la carte basis rather than bundled. Per digital distribution expert witnesses and industry consultants, subscription models are also possible.
• Global availability. Content can be delivered to anyone worldwide with an internet connection. Sometimes there are no geographic restrictions.
• More content variety. Niche content with lower demand can still be viable without the need for mass market distribution.
• Environmentally friendly. Eliminates waste from physical distribution and unsold inventory.

Major media industries that have adopted digital distribution include music/audio, books, video games, applications, and video streaming services, or so digital distribution expert witnesses and business strategists tell us. It has enabled new business models but also disrupted traditional industries.