[dredmorbius]

Shrinkwrap software sales is almost always a sucker's game.

Microsoft didn't rely on shrinkwrap, but on:

1. Per-unit CPU licensing.

2. OEM contracts.

3. Enterprise sales of an "integrated ecosystem" (a/k/a tied/bundled OS, Office suite, and network / directory management).

Shrinkwrap was just gravy.

Most major software firms are actually consulting companies, with a massive services division: IBM, Oracle, SAP. Saleseforce might be an exception.

There are a few traditionally shrinkwrap firms, of which Adobe is probably the most notable. They've been shifting to subscriptions.

Most current Mobile software dev is based on advertising and/or surveillance capitalism.