Software distribution processes

Even in today's post internet boom phase, it is not true to say that the internet has completely penetrated all aspects of business. Even in the last few days, I have come across end-users who have no internet and no access to the internet. More critically, sometimes you just have too much software to deliver to the customer - anything over 100Mb and you start to have problems. Employing the internet as your core delivery mechanism will cause you to lose precious hours - even with broadband access.

Now, of course there are ways around this issue - keeping everything online for instance, however if you are attempting to download to a remote device this might not be an option. So, a CD, a DVD, a Compact Flash, a USB key, or some sort of physical distribution mechanism will be required.

The question is then raised as to how you achieve this. Do you set up a completely brand new distribution mechanism to cope with the physical delivery, or what else can you do?

One approach that seems to make sense is to stay focused on the Internet delivery, giving all customers access: but having a complementary physical distribution mechanism, perhaps for an extra fee to cover distribution charges. Sun are doing this with their Java Runtime Environment. If you download it off the internet it's free, but if you want it on CD you will need to pay for it.