Over the course of the next six weeks, we’ll be releasing excerpts from our new article, “How Publishing and Subscription Software Has Changed.” In each post, we’ll share parts of the paper, but in early January, we’ll offer the entire document for download. Below, you’ll find the first installment of our series.

Publishing and subscription software has changed significantly over time. Once rigid and standalone, today’s systems are incredibly flexible and designed to integrate with other platforms. With these technological advancements, the end-user is now looking at their entire audience – not just subscribers. To compete, they need data that illustrates how current and prospective customers are interacting with their brand.

One of the largest changes has been to the flow of information. Previously, data moved in one direction. Publishers would create content and then, share it with subscribers. While this is still the case, things are now bi-directional. Customers are providing information about themselves and their interests in real-time. Whether they’re commenting on a company’s tweets, completing a survey, or simply, clicking on story, readers are influencing which stories are written whether they’re aware of it or not.

Readership has always been important to publishing, but now that subscribers are driving content, the need for data has increased. This shift has led to a number of significant changes in subscription software. The widest reaching include:

• Data is bigger.
• Companies are diversifying.
• Individual user data is highly valued.
• Connectivity is key.
• Publishers are driving technological advancements.

Next week, be sure to swing by our site to learn more. But in the meantime, please consider this the beginning of a larger conversation. We’d like to hear what you’ve noticed and the changes you expect to see in the months and years to come. Post your insights using #subscriptionplatformchanges to share your perspective.