These companies are exploring new business models, the benefits of printing books on demand and the various forms of e-book delivery.

CNN: Electronic books are poised to become a key medium

To Amazon, the devices are just delivery channels for more content and the e-reader push towards lower and lower price will allow the company to throw e-readers in with the delivery of a book or a large enough commitment to a content subscription.

FORBES: Living Room Tech in 2013

It would put a buyer together with a seller, take "delivery" of the contract for one fleeting moment and book the entire "sale" as revenue to Enron.

FORBES: Enron The Incredible

Although Airbus has more than 400 orders from China on its books, mainly consisting of narrow-body A320s, it could very well talk its way out of cancellations and rejig its order book to cover up any short-term delivery deferrals.

FORBES: Magazine Article

As an interesting new book by Alan W. Brown, Enterprise Software Delivery: Bringing Agility and Efficiency to the Global Software Supply Chain (Addison Wesley, 2012), points out the consequent shift from software development to software delivery, combining constant innovation and control at the enterprise level.

FORBES: Connect

Find a book and start reading in seconds with our fast, free wireless delivery.

ENGADGET: Amazon's new Kindles now available in Canada, Paperwhite starting at CAD $139

The order book stretches to 2015, according to industry analysts, with the majority of vessels due for delivery this year.

WSJ: Global Shipping Faces More Choppy Waters