In December 2004 renowned security solution provider StarForce and Sina Corporation, the largest Chinese media company, will finalize plans for a joint electronic games distribution project. Sina will utilize StarForce ProActive technology to secure revenue of more than forty game titles offered for sale via the Internet. According to the companies, industry trends indicate global acceptance of the online distribution model and have confirmed their intensions to extensively develop it in the future.

Chinese publishers expressed deep interest in participating in this project knowing the value a new distribution channel will bring to their business – achieving higher sales levels in multiple markets and an increase in customer satisfaction.

StarForce, and Sina with its multi-million user audience, have decided to join their abilities in the field of license software distribution. StarForce’s ProActive technology will ensure license software distribution control, and Sina, being one of the largest world media portals; will provide its highly secure payment system.

Online distribution strategy benefits everyone. After purchasing a software product license via the Sina’s payment system, the user can immediately download the software. To start using it, he must first activate his license. The license cost is flexible and depends on the license’s period of validity. Such a distribution method is beneficial for both the software publisher and the end user. The publisher is able to decrease manufacturing expenses, which allows selling the product at a lower price. The end user, on the other hand, gets a chance to acquire the latest entertainment titles right from home, at a considerably lower cost. For example, games sold via the Internet are presumed be available at 5 - 20 yuans, while box versions usually cost 40 – 50 yuans.

“We are glad that StarForce, in  cooperation with Sina, and a number of largest Chinese publishers are working together to provide new opportunities for licensed software users. We are very optimistic about this online software distribution channel featuring advanced license distribution control. In the context of further development of online software distribution programs in Asia, StarForce plans on implementing several similar projects in the next few years”, says Alexander Mamaev, Managing Director of StarForce Asia-Pacific.