EBooks: changing the publishing industry, PwC

2.4 

Device Manufacturers

Amazon (with the Kindle) and Apple 

(with the iPhone and iPad) have 

demonstrated how sales and reader can 

be skillfully combined. In conjunction 

with a well-planned communication and 

business strategy, the two companies 

have encouraged demand to a previously 

unknown extent and have revived the 

market with user-friendly and attractive 

devices. 

Adapt devices to customer requirements

Device manufacturers that are active in the 

European market would be well advised 

to learn from the successes in the United 

States. The Kindle and Nook are easy to 

operate, with Internet access, integrated 

shops, eInk screens, and pages that turn 

rapidly.

Manufacturers for European devices 

should consider partnerships with leading 

mobile network operators and online 

stores. These devices may be distributed 

to customers either in a proprietary or 

in a branded format. In addition, active 

market communication is also of crucial 

importance. The market has so far been 

passing by the most important target 

group.

11  PwC: From paper to platform: transforming the B2B publishing business model, 2009.

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