Softonic is a Spanish software download platform that distributes, categorizes, and evaluates programs for Windows, Android, and Mac. The platform was founded in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain in June 1997.
History
Softonic started in 1997 as a file-oriented download service called Shareware Intercom,[1] at Intercom Online (Grupo Intercom), a provider of Internet services in Cerdanyola del Vallès, near Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain). Files came from the "Files Library Intercom BBS" at Intercom Online, using a "5-step semi-automated process".[2] The company also offered monthly CDs of its software library.[3] In 1999, the service was described by El Tiempo as having a "generosity of games, antiviruses, education and the long, seductive et cetera."[4] In 2000, the company became independent under the name Softonic.[5]
In 2004, Softonic was made available in German, and in 2005, English.[6] Initially, the service was oriented only to downloads of DOS and Windows software,[7] but it eventually had software downloads for Mac and mobile platforms.
In 2013, Partners Group acquired 30% of the shares, paying more than 82 million euros.[8][9] At the end of 2014, Softonic announced that a headcount reduction procedure would be carried out as a cost-cutting measure, allegedly due to financial and organizational reasons. In December, the company formalized the dismissal of 156 employees.[10]
Softonic's "Softonic Downloader" was described by their CEO Scott Arpajian as having "facilitated bad behaviour amongst third party vendors which ended up harming the user", with malicious links impersonating the downloader itself. He said that the Downloader "grew revenue but was under the microscope as far as the industry was concerned, in particularly Google", who went on to withdraw its advertising from the site in 2014.[12]
Arpajian said that shutting down the Softonic Downloader was one of the first things he had done when he took over the company in February 2015, and that his intention was to regain the trust of the site's users.[12]
In July 2016, Softonic announced a partnership with business software platform Crozdesk.[13]
In May 2017, the company announced that it had hired international executive Sophie Bernard as Vice President of Strategy.[14]
In October 2019, Softonic acquired Ghacks. The site's founder and editor, Martin Brinkmann, along with the writing team, retained editorial control over the content. Softonic assumed responsibility for administrative tasks, including domain management, hosting, advertisements, and partner communications.[15]
In 2020, Softonic launched Revamp, a technology to increase publishers' advertising revenue.[16]
In 2021, Fiona Garvey was appointed as CEO.[17][18]
In 2022, the company grew 34%,[19][17] amounting to over €26 million.[20][21][22]
The company currently has four main products:[25][26][27]
Softonic.com: A software distribution platform that provides options and guidance for various software needs.
Appvizer: A platform that recommends B2B software.
FileHippo: A computer software for Windows downloading website
GHacks: A tech news site focusing on web browsers, software tips, guides, and reviews.
White Labels
Softonic collaborates with other platforms to manage their ecosystems:
Filecat.com: A software download site offering a variety of freeware and shareware for Windows and Mac.
DigitalTrends.com: A tech news site that covers consumer electronics, computing, entertainment, and emerging technologies, with up-to-date news, reviews, and articles.
Download.com: An internet download directory launched in 1996 as part of CNET.
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