Steve Wozniak, who co-founded Apple Computer Corp with Steve Jobs in 1976, has joined the board of directors at Mountain View, California internet start-up Breakthrough Software Inc. Breakthrough, founded in December of 1996, is engaged in the development and marketing of point-and-click electronic commerce software for small to medium size businesses. Wozniak has been active in the company since May, and will be counted upon to offer technical expertise and help with strategic direction. Breakthrough also announced its first product this week, Internet Business Breakthrough, a complete software package designed to allow small businesses create dynamic internet storefronts in a few hours. The company is banking on the appeal of the product’s price which, at $250, is about 75% less than similar packages from other vendors. Wozniak says that he has faith in the company’s technology and the prospects for the market. He also admits that he was drawn to the energy and drive of Breakthrough’s founders, Randall Schmitz (president) and Trevor Stout (CEO), who remind him of Jobs and himself in the early days of Apple. Wozniak’s appointment brings Breakthrough board membership to four, along with Schmitz, Stout, and Alan Geddes, CFO of EDNet, Inc.
