At the simplest level, distribution can involve a commercial agent or commercial representative who would act on behalf of the principal to promote the sale of goods and services in France (or other markets) or it could involve the appointment of a distributor or reseller in the French or regional market, who would buy and sell the products or software.
Building on that simple basis, the type of distribution network and structure can become more complex (franchise, licencing) but also be set in a more structured and regulated framework with annual negotiations with central purchasing departments of large retail chains.