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At one point in time software was all packaged
the same. As technology has advanced consumer
options have expanded. Users can purchase software
any number of different ways.
ESD or Electronic Software Distribution
A registration key or separate download is delivered
after the purchase and the user either enables
the trial version or downloads a full version
electronically. Once known as shareware, electronic
distribution is now available for almost all software
applications.
Subscriptions - SaaS
Software as a Service is not a new concept. Subscriptions
are now available for a variety of web based applications.
Microsoft Examples - http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/architecture/aa699384.aspx
In House CD ROM / DVD
Developers who manage a small volume might opt
to manage their packaging using jewel cases, CD
labels and inserts. This makes it easier to package
software that is frequently updated. Developers
might silk-screen 1000's of CDs and burn them
with the current version as they are sold.
Materials for In-House CD Production:
SureThing CD Labels and Software - http://www.surething.com
MeritLine CD Inserts - http://www.meritline.com/cdcasin.html
3rd Party CDs / DVDs
There are a number of 3rd party services that
provide shipping and packaging to developers.
The 3rd party services ship CDs on demand. Many
ecommerce services including Emetrix,
RegNow,
and
ShareIt, all offer an integrated CD delivery
as part of their ecommerce offerings.
SwiftCD - http://www.swiftcd.com/
PingramCD - http://www.pingramcd.com/
- (specializes in service for Russian Developers)
Software Box
If you are trying to break into the retail space
(Office Max, Best Buy etc...) you will need a
software box. More often than not a software developer
will work with a publisher to penetrate the retail
market. In these cases the publisher will usually
be responsible for the software packaging.
More on Software
Publishers
SwiftBoxes -
http://www.swiftboxes.com - low volume software
packaging.
USB Drive
Flash drives or USB drives are becoming more
common. Software developers might sell software
on a USB drive which offers customers the added
benefit of software portability. The application
and data can be self-contained and easily move
from one system to another.
PortableApps - http://portableapps.com/
Virtual Boxes
Many software developers include images or "box
shots" on their website but do not actually
ship a physical product. There are a number of
tools available for developers that wish to create
a virtual box shot.
3D Box Shot - http://www.3d-box-shot.com
True BoxShot - http://www.trueboxshot.com/
Software packaging is growing and evolving with
software industry.
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