WESTPORT, 3 NOVEMBER – A new and comprehensive report released by Shore Communications Inc. paints an optimistic outlook for the emerging eBook industry that is already growing at exponential rates in year-over-year sales figures and seeing stronger usage in both traditional and non-conventional outlets for book-based content. According to the report, the consolidation and standardization of eBook platforms, formats and rights management, their broadening availability via consumer, library and professional outlets and improved accessibility via search technologies is creating acceptance and use that can be expected to grow significantly in the near term. However, major challenges still confront the growth of eBook demand.

“Both individual and institutional consumers of eBooks content are driving this market,” said report author Jean Bedord, a Senior Analyst for Shore. “For consumers and individual professionals, an electronic sale is complex, since reading an eBook requires not only the digital book, but also specific software and hardware platforms. However, the buying decision is becoming much easier with platform consolidation. Major opportunities lie in integrating eBooks into individual professionals’ work life, such as in medicine, where doctors now use eBooks on PDAs for critical information on drug usage.”

The 25-page report, entitled “The eBooks Marketplace: A New Evaluation”, covers the origin of eBooks, the scope and character of professional and consumer eBook markets, eBook content types, hardware platforms and networks, software platforms, eBook distributors, publisher issues, author issues, eBook business models and recommendations for suppliers, developers and purchasing institutions. Further details on the report and its purchasing options may be found at the following Internet Web address: http://www.shore.com/research/current/reports/SCI200302.html

ABOUT SHORE

Shore Communications Inc. is a leading research and advisory service focusing on organizations that develop, purchase and use professionally-oriented content and the technologies that facilitate its use in individual and collaborative environments. Shore focuses on the complex interplay between content, technology and people that creates value for organizations and individuals in today's marketplace. Shore’s research, commentary, private consulting and confidential advisory services provide valuable insights into the products, practices and behaviors that maximize the value of content and related technologies through all stages of its creation, organization, marketing, deployment and use.

The press may contact Jean Bedord via phone at 408.257.9221, jbedord@shore.com.

For more information about Shore and report purchases, please contact John Blossom at 203.226.9488, jblossom@shore.com, or visit http://shore.com/us/resources/press/.

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