Widget Software Ltd, a reseller of palmtop hardware and software, is going to the web for a wider audience, by making its software immediately available to customers for downloading. Managing director Mark Needham says that the size of the software, typically half a Mb, suits a download.
Hertfordshire, UK-based Widget specializes in Psion and Windows CE handhelds, with software for various versions of Psion Series 3 and Series 5, including reference guides such as Halliwell’s Film and Video Guide as well as calendar software which can be linked to Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Organizer. It sells software for the Nokia 9110, although Needham says that this is as close to mobile phones as Widget gets. The company also provides some implementation and helpdesk support services.
Customers purchase software through a link to the web site of BrainDock Communications Inc, the electronic software download division of New World Technologies Inc, which was spun off earlier this year and with which Widget has a distribution partnership.
Although the company is privately-owned and is wary of forecasting how significant the new channel will be, CEO David Elder says that it will take all cost, technology and complication out of the selling process. Customers buy direct from the US offices of BrainDock, thereby saving a healthy 17.5% in value-added tax. Needham, however, says the strategy is more about increasing the market than cutting costs.
Widget, formed by ex-Psion employees in 1987, has offices in New Zealand, Canada, Germany and France as well as its UK headquarters. It derives $5.5m, the bulk of its $7.9m total revenue from the UK office and has plans to expand its operations in Europe through the creation of an office in Holland.
