ALSO goes digital

Since 2010 Atomblock successfully operates platforms for Electronic Software Distribution (ESD) and Point of Sales Activation (POSA). Taking this step, ALSO-Actebis actively accesses a fast-growing market, as currently also in IT-Channel the trend develops away from physical software-packs towards digital distribution. Market researchers expect that half of all software, games or entertainment items are distributed digitally until 2015.

“ALSO Digital enables us to immediately access a successfully established and well-proven platform for digital software distribution” says Prof. Dr. Gustavo Möller-Hergt, CEO of ALSO-Actebis Holding AG, explaining furthermore: “thereby we can actively shape market right from the beginning and on a Europe-wide scale.” The platform offers a wide range of attractive business-opportunities for resellers and manufacturers. During the next year, the solution is planned to be implemented in all companies of ALSO-Group throughout Europe. Eldan Santcroos, CEO of Atomblock, confirms: “With ALSO as our partner we can expand and enhance our solution Europe-wide”.

The combination of ESD and POSA allows retailers and specialist dealers to offer software in stores without capital tied-up in sales-processes or inventory, as the products are represented by sales packages without physical content at the Point of Sale (POS). An activation key is enabled on payment of the product and a transaction is initiated. Using the activation key, the end-customer can start the download and installation of the software. This solution allows offering digital products as well as products presented at the classic POS.

The acquisition is still subject to the approval by the antitrust authorities.