Entatech predicts death of packaged software as it launches ESD solution

All software will be delivered electronically in three-to-four years, distributor predicts

Packaged software could become a relic within several years, Entatech has claimed as it launched its Electronic Software Delivery (ESD) solution.

Launching with Entatech's largest software vendor Microsoft, the ESD solution is designed to enable resellers and retailers to securely deliver product keys directly to small businesses and consumers.

Talking to CRN, Entatech managing director Dave Stevinson said the launch would bring Entatech in line with other Microsoft OEM distributors, including Ingram and Tech Data.

"We are a very large distributor in the Microsoft OEM Windows and Server space, so this future proofs the company. We have spent a year or so developing it," he said.

"We have a vision that all software will be delivered through the channel electronically. Packaged software may not exist in three or four years' time - we believe that even the operating system will be delivered electronically through the channel."

Currently, Entatech holds packaged software in its warehouse before picking it and sending it out to customers, which Stevinson admitted leads to high overheads.

"The beauty of ESD is one doesn't have to hold millions of pounds of stock. We can inject a huge amount of capital into the business, as we don't have one million, two million pounds of inventory of packaged software," he explained.

Entatech intends to roll out ESD to the rest of its software portfolio, starting with Kaspersky Lab, Stevinson said.