On the horizon is digital distribution of music. Currently, streaming and downloads are the two means of digital distribution available to consumers via the web. Both are commonly used as tools for promoting CD sales, much like the radio. Streaming is like broadcasting via the Internet, in which music is played in real-time. Alternately, consumers can download music files for later playback, purchasing, or in some cases, pilfering.
Digital delivery threatens the status quo in the music industry.
Artists can even remove the manager and the record company from the chain, and sell their product directly to the consumer. In the future, as the Internet erodes barriers to entry in distribution, we may see changes in the music industry structure.