The near-future of Software Distribution – Making connections with customers
Amid a flurry of prognostications about what everyone else may, or may not, do in this new year, here is what OMS SafeHarbor intends to make happen in 2009.
1. Enable the software distribution process to become a Customer Relationship Management endeavor.
This is our new focus. The words Distribution and Delivery evoke outbound, or transmit, or warehouse dock imagery, and behavior.
When customers engage in the process of electronically consuming your goods or services, they are investing in a relationship with you.
Online distribution of software content is no longer a proxy for shipping a cd and avoiding postage. It has become part of the first, and sometimes last, impressions you make on your customers.
2. Make it easier for publishers to link customers with licenses and software.
OMS SafeHarbor is releasing a desktop application to support large file downloads and two-way conversations with publishers and consumers.
We have a download tool that we’ve used in in automating software release management functions since 2001. Its been used over a billion times since then to reliably transfer files around the world with unimpeachable data integrity. We’re bringing that tool out to the consumer with some innovative features and functions focused on “large” files.
3. Use information about what software is NOT consumed to increase publisher revenue and customer satisfaction.
2009 is the time for the rhetoric of gap analysis reporting to meet reality. Current economic conditions mean we all need to look under the seat cushions for loose change.
4. Use different distribution techniques for content of different declared value.
Multi-tier content distribution schemes for managing both quality of service and costs will be utilized in 2009. Slowly, but surely. All content may not necessarily need a ride in first-class on the bullet-train.
5. Establish portable and business-relevant metrics that will be used to understand and manage investment in content-based relationships with customers.
Apples to Apples comparisons. It can be done. OMS SafeHarbor will do it this year.
You can take these to the bank. Sooner rather than later.
Happy New Year!.
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