Distribution of a multimedia project should have been one of the very first matters considered during the initial concept stages. The matters of distribution can have some very simple as well as complicated reasons for choosing one method over another. There are many contributing factors to determine the right delivery method:
- Target user group
- Client’s wishes and expectations
- Product’s limits and limitations
- Interactivity
- Expertise
So far, common forms of distribution are:
- Optical discs
- CD-ROMs, DVDs, etcetera…
- Intranet
- a high speed internal network
- Internet
- a mass distribution medium
- Hardware or embedded application
- embedded devices that are not normally associated with computer interfaces, i.e. organisers, kiosks, mobile phones, and etcetera.
Traditional distribution models
Traditionally companies that make consumer goods that are purchased in retail stores, sell their products to a wholesaler, which in turn sells to the retailers.
Alternative distribution models
Given the highly competitive nature of the consumer multimedia market and the difficulty of obtaining retail shelf space, several other models are being used. 
Intranet versus Internet delivery
Some examples utilizing an intranet delivery include corporate orientations, Computer Based Learning (CBL), presentations broadcasting, video conferencing, internal video services (VOD), and interactive information systems (customer information stations and POS systems).
try before you buy.
Some applications use the internet as a delivery platform. For example, streaming media in real time, Flash, and Java web-related applications, all rely on a constant internet connection.
Although there are many methods for delivering web multimedia, we recommend using stable technology that works for the great majority of client machines. You risk losing your audience if they have to jump through hoops to access your content.
Content management
Content management is a system of organizing the delivery, storage and access rights of all the media components of an internet or intranet delivery system.
By the system administrator or broadcast administrator, content management is used to set-up and manage scheduled content or on-demand programs, channels, recordings, and file transfers among various media servers. This can include the setting up of group profiles or individual profiles, in other words allowing only certain groups or individuals to view certain media.
Embedded devices
Typically these devices have no keyboard or limited input capabilities, and somewhat limited display capabilities and data storage. They are usually dedicated to performing certain functions or tasks only, and include mobile devices (personal organisers and mobile phones), home devices (appliances, home automation systems, home theatre systems, home security), automotive (GPS, in-car entertainment systems), and industry systems (information kiosks, ATMs, and cash registers).
Due to advancements in computer memory and CPU miniaturization, devices now have the capabilities to provide levels of interactivity and intelligence previously unheard of. We are also seeing not only the breakdown of input and output limitations, but also a merge of delivery methods, in devices such as the iPhone.
Embedded devices traditionally perform dedicated functions, and are designed with a specific embedded software application. The end user cannot modify such closed systems. We see embedded systems everywhere – at the cash registers, in industrial controllers, at home in our digital set top box. They are usually simple to use, sturdy, fast and reliable. Unfortunately updates or upgrades contribute to the problems of a throw-away society and are costly in both time and money. Hence the reason developers attempt to future-proof systems as much as possible.
The choices of delivery methods to best deliver products are constantly increasing. Choosing the right method is not always your choice. The best safe guard is to know right from the conceptual stage, what delivery method(s) you and your team will be designing for.
