St. Cloud, Minnesota, June 21, 2010 –  W3i, a leading desktop and mobile Application Distribution Network for the internet industry, was named one of the Top Workplaces in the Twin Cities metro area, based on an employee-based survey project from the Star Tribune.   The Star Tribune Top Workplaces special section was published in the Star Tribune on Sunday, June 20.  The report can be found at Star Tribune/Top Workplaces 2010.  

Produced by the same team that compiles the 19-year-old Star Tribune 100 report of the best-performing public companies in Minnesota, Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in the metro – based on employee opinions about company leadership, career opportunities, workplace flexibility, compensation, and benefits.  The analysis included responses from over 33,000 employees at Minnesota public, private, and non-profit organizations.

The rankings in the Star Tribune top places to work are based on survey information collected by Workplace Dynamics, an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention.

W3i CEO, Andy Johnson, said, “I am honored to work with a group of people as highly engaged and focused on a common mission as the team at W3i. It is because of this engagement and passion that W3i is such a great place to work. It’s a real pleasure to be part of building a company that we can all be proud of.”

Star Tribune Publisher, Michael J.  Klingensmith, comments, “I congratulate each of the companies in the Star Tribune Top Workplaces on their outstanding accomplishment.  They have succeeded in creating a positive workplace for their employees during very challenging economic times.” 

About W3i:

W3i increases revenue, distribution, and engagement for consumer desktop applications, browser add-ons and mobile applications enabling publishers to provide quality consumer apps for free by recommending relevant applications giving advertisers a mass, performance driven distribution channel.  The W3i Application Network uses InstallIQ, W3i’s intelligent installation technology, for recommending PC and mobile applications that users’ value.  InstallIQ was tested and optimized on over 400 million application installs-over 100 million app installs in 2009.  W3i will prove to be a valued partner in growing your application business. To learn more, visit the W3i Application Network.

Press Contact:
Deborah Manthei
Director of Marketing Communications
320-257-7571
deborah.manthei@W3i.com

To qualify for the Star Tribune Top Workplaces, a company must have more than 50 employees in the Twin Cities metro area.  Over 1,000 companies were invited to participate.  Rankings were composite scores calculated purely on the basis of employee responses.

I suspect that most of you reading this blog post are interested in applications and are not Minnesota Timberwolves junkies or have some strange fix for the silly Trix rabbit.

Last week was an interesting week.  I found you can learn a lot about application marketing by listening to other successful businesses. 

I started off the week working with my team here at W3i on finalizing a survey for anyone in our industry on the topic of Application Distribution And Business Models.  For the first time, W3i offered a free White Paper to contacts who participated in the survey.  Immediately, we saw the number of completed surveys per solicitation outperform our wildest expectations (feel free to participate if you like).

On Wednesday, I headed to the Twin Cities for the PDMA event being hosted by General Mills’ iSquad team.  iSquad is a specialized business unit which helps facilitate new product development/innovation for Generall Mills.  General Mills sells $15B+ of food every year and has hundreds of products including my very own favorite, Trix cereal.  I hear a lot about General Mills’ world class marketing team, and after attending their presentation, I was not let down.

The iSquad team delivered a presentation on innovating innovation.  The four key aspects they outlined for their process were.

• Find Great Ideas Regularly
  • Using the I3 approach to identify great ideas.
    • Immersion – Understand the problem
    • Interaction – Experience the problem
    • Idea Creation – Solve the problem
• Expand Available Talent
  • Isaac Newton said it best “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants,” meaning you should leverage the best internal and external knowledge available so that you are not inefficiently discovering things which were already discovered. 
  • Similarly, you could think about partnering with other companies to increase your available talent
• Get Smarter Sooner
  • A new product blunder cost the company $16M which could have been prevented if they would have released an earlier prototype of the product and understood how it would be used.  Get Smarter Sooner is a commitment they have to get high quality, but not perfect, products to market to real consumers faster so that they have a better understanding of the opportunity/challenges for the product.
• Pave A New Way
  • They try to work within their organization to have cross-functional resources involved in new product development so that as the new product is developed and deployed there are experts who are prepared to help with the transition post-launch.

Last night Kurt Rambis (the new head coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves and NBA legend) and players (7th overall draft pick Johnny Flynn and Ryan Gomes) presented my brother and co-founder, Rob and I with the The Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal’s 2009 Young Entrepreneur Award. Kurt spoke about the Timberwolves need to innovate if they are to become more effective than their recent struggles. The Timberwolves sponsored the event to engage the business community (potential customers of their corporate suites, etc.) with the major changes underway with the franchise. The changes to the front office, coaching staff, and players have led to a totally new team for 2009/10. 70% of the roster is comprised of players that were not on the team last year. Rambis spoke a lot about the personnel changes made as well as his process, knowledge, and experience that led to his past success (7 championships as a player/coach with the Lakers). I was quite surprised by the interaction and openness by the Timberwolves coach in responding to questions and sharing his perspective on the team. I believe that Kurt will be a great coach and a welcomed member of the community.

As VP of Corporate Strategy, I oversee the Product Management team here at W3i. We are constantly soliciting our business contacts and users for feedback so that we can be more tuned in with their needs.

Click here to complete the Application Distribution and Business Models Survey (only takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete) and you’ll receive a free White Paper to help you become more informed on this subject and support innovation with your application business.

A special thanks to all of the many users and business contacts who have provided feedback which have helped W3i get to where it is at today.

Ryan Weber, Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Co-Founder, W3i, LLC
Entrepreneur and pioneer of Internet marketing focusing on increasing revenue and distribution for digital downloads.

St. Cloud, Minnesota, July 29, 2009 – Rob and Ryan Weber, founders of W3i in Sartell, MN, win the first ever, Young Entrepreneur Award, presented by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.  The award recognizes young entrepreneurs who are running successful businesses in the metro area.

Rob and Ryan Weber started W3i in 2000 under the name of Freeze.com.  Recognizing that consumers want quality, free applications, they built a network of publishers, advertisers, and consumers.  Publishers are looking to increase revenue for their applications funded by advertisers that want to increase distribution, and consumers that want useful, free PC applications.  W3i brings all these interests together in the W3i Application Network.  Their business grew rapidly, and the Application Network is now averaging 9 million installations each month. 

Rob Weber is now the Vice President of Business Development while Ryan Weber is the Vice President of Corporate Strategy.  In these roles they identify and pursue opportunities to continue to grow the company.  “Free applications are in even more demand in this weakened economy,” said Rob Weber, VP of Business Development.  Publishers and advertisers of applications are looking for alternative ways to grow their businesses.  W3i provides the revenue and traffic to make that happen.”

“Hats off to Rob and Ryan Weber,” comments Andy Johnson, CEO.  “They developed a passion for Internet marketing at an early age and put that passion to work in expanding their business.  By making their technology available to other application marketers through the W3i Application Network, they are helping other entrepreneurial application companies succeed.”

About W3i
W3i increases revenue, distribution and engagement for Windows applications and plug-ins. W3i uses a network approach combining the demand for free and trial applications monetized by the distribution of additional, relevant applications when the consumer is in the installation mindset.  W3i’s Application Network uses InstallIQ, W3i’s proprietary Windows installation manager, the first installer to be certified in the TRUSTe Trusted Download Program.  Tested and optimized on over 300 million installs–currently 9 million installs monthly and growing, W3i will prove to be a valued partner in growing your application business. To learn more, visit W3i’s Application Network.

W3i’s Download Network featuring Install IQ is a Finalist in Most Innovative Service/Business Model category.

St. Cloud, Minnesota – June 2, 2009 – W3i, LLC, provider of marketing solutions that increase revenue, distribution, and engagement for Windows applications and plug-ins, was named a Finalist today in the Most Innovative Service/Business Model category for the 2009 Comp TIA SoftwareCEO Software Innovation Awards.

The finalist designation was presented for W3i’s Download Network, a leading consumer software platform. Using a network approach, W3i’s Download Network pays partners to generate traffic, installs interactive consumer applications, and delivers active users to W3i’s clients.

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the leading trade association for the world’s information technology (IT) industry. The SoftwareCEO Software Innovation Awards recognize innovative software products and new business models in eight different categories. Award winners will be announced at the CompTIA special online award ceremony on June 18, 2009.

SoftwareCEO Software Innovation Awards finalists by category are judged for:

Scope – What business problem or opportunity does the software innovation address? What is the size of the problem/opportunity?

Impact – What practical results, such as sales, users or profits, has the innovation had on a software product or on the software industry? The innovation must be new and have both a current and future impact.

Novel – How does the innovation break with traditional ideas or processes?

“W3i is honored to become a Finalist especially in the area of innovation. We know W3i’s Download Network can be a key distribution and monetization strategy for publishers and advertisers of Windows and browser applications. To date, we have installed over 250 million applications, and we are just getting started,” comments Andy Johnson, CEO of W3i. “Congratulations to the W3i team for becoming a finalist in the 2009 SoftwareCEO Software Innovation Awards.”

Entries are judged by a select panel of industry experts, including analysts, consultants, writers and trade press, and subject-matter experts. A list of the esteemed panel can be found here: http://www.softwareceo.com/leadership/awards_judging.aspx.

Details about the 2009 SoftwareCEO Software Innovation Awards and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at http://www.softwareceo.com/leadership/2009/awards_finalists.aspx.

“Software innovation is more than just ideas; it’s the ability to develop those ideas and make them work in the market,” said Mark Fogle, publisher of SoftwareCEO. “The annual SoftwareCEO Innovation Awards recognize products, ideas and business models that break with conventional software ideas and processes to introduce product offerings and business models that are key to our industry’s future growth and vitality.

About W3i:
W3i increases revenue, distribution and engagement for Windows applications and plug-ins. W3i uses a network approach combining the demand for free and trial downloads monetized by the distribution of useful downloads when the consumer is in the download mindset. W3i’s Download Network uses Install IQ, W3i’s proprietary Windows installer, the first installer to be certified in the TRUSTe Trusted Download Program. Tested and optimized on over 250 million installs–currently 7.1 million installs monthly and growing, W3i will prove to be a valued distribution partner in growing your application business. To learn more, visit W3i’s Download Network.

W3i Contact:
Deborah Manthei
Director of Marketing Communications
W3i
320-257-7571
deborah.manthei@W3i.com
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About SoftwareCEO.com
SoftwareCEO is a resource-packed electronic newsletter and web portal built by software executives for software executives. It is Page One for software industry information and education on topics such as software marketing, sales, business, financing, and services. For more information, visit http://www.softwareceo.com/.

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, please visit www.comptia.org.

CompTIA Contact:
Steven Ostrowski
Director, Corporate Communications
CompTIA
Phone: 630-678-8468
Email: sostrowski@comptia.org

7th annual Stevie® Awards will be presented on June 22 in New York City

St. Cloud, Minnesota – May 20, 2009 – W3i, LLC, provider of marketing solutions that increase revenue, distribution, and engagement for Windows applications and plug-ins, was named a finalist today in the New Product or Services of the Year – Computer Services category in The 2009 American Business Awards.

The finalist designation was presented for W3i’s Download Network, a leading consumer software platform.  Using a network approach, W3i’s Download Network pays partners to generate traffic, installs interactive consumer applications, and delivers active users to W3i’s clients. 

The American Business Awards is the nation’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit entries to the ABAs – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. 

Stevie Award winners will be announced during the annual gala on Monday, June 22 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.  Six hundred executives from across the U.S.A. are expected to attend.  The ceremonies will be broadcast on radio nationwide by the Business TalkRadio Network and hosted by Cheryl Casone of Fox Business Network.

More than 2,600 entries from companies of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories, including Most Innovative Company, Best Management Team, Best New Product or Service, Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program, Best Corporate Environmental Responsibility Program.  W3i will be competing in the New Product or Services of the Year – Computer Services category for Interactive Marketing.

“It took years for W3i’s team to fine-tune the proprietary technology for Install IQ, the installer that drives the success of W3i’s Download Network.  To date we have installed over 250 million applications.  My congratulations to the team for becoming a finalist in the 2009 ABAs,” comments Andy Johnson, CEO, W3i. 

Members of the Awards’ Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and their staffs will select Stevie Award winners from among finalists in final judging that will continue through June 3.   Finalists were chosen by business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in April through early May.

“Despite very tough economic conditions, many organizations and individuals continue to perform well,” said Michael Gallagher, founder and president of The Stevie Awards.  “The results of the 2009 ABAs thus far are a testament to the resilience, creativity, and hard work of American organizations, executives, and workers.”

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of finalists in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba. 

About W3i
W3i increases revenue, distribution, and engagement for Windows applications and plug-ins. W3i uses a network approach combining the demand for free and trial downloads monetized by the distribution of useful downloads when the consumer is in the download mindset.  W3i’s Download Network uses Install IQ, W3i’s proprietary Windows installer, the first installer to be certified in the TRUSTe Trusted Download Program.  Tested and optimized on over 250 million installs–currently 7.1 million installs monthly and growing, W3i will prove to be a valued distribution partner in growing your application business. To learn more, visit W3i’s Download Network.

About The Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, The Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.  Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.  Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

Supporting sponsors of The 2009 American Business Awards include High Performance Technologies Inc., John Hancock, Lifelock, RCN Corporation, Softpro, and Ultimate Software.  Media sponsor is the Business TalkRadio Network.  Localization partner of the 2009 Stevie Awards is Lionbridge.

Contact:
Deborah Manthei
320-257-7571
deborah.manthei@W3i.com

St. Cloud, MN, March 13, 2009 – W3i, providing revenue and distribution generation for software marketers, announced that it was named to the Upshot50, a listing of the most innovative, powerful and useful marketing tools and technologies.

“We are excited to be included in the Upshot50,” said Andy Johnson, CEO. “W3i has worked for over nine years perfecting a proprietary Windows installer, Install IQ, supporting a network of download marketers that are either looking for increased distribution or increased revenue for their consumer downloads.  It is great to be recognized among the ranks of innovative marketing companies like Omniture, Adfusion, and PRWeb.”

The Upshot50 are companies recognized for offering the most innovative, powerful and useful marketing tools and technologies that are empowering marketers in today’s complex new world. Recognized leaders in the field, the Upshot50 are marketing technology providers reshaping the world of marketing.

The Upshot Institute is an information, analysis, education and consulting services firm, with a focus on marketing technology and the ways in which it may be applied in marketing organizations. The Upshot Institute delivers a range of useful resources and opportunities for both marketers and vendors, such as free on-demand summits, workshops, vendor reports, podcasts and the insanely popular Upshot50 Awards. For more information, please visit www.UpshotInstitute.com.

About W3i: 

W3i increases revenue for downloadable software, applications and digital content by providing a receptive consumer base for customized, targeted download distribution.  W3i uses a network approach combining the demand for free and trial software supported by the distribution of value-added software when the consumer is in the download mindset.  W3i’s Download Network uses Install IQ, W3i’s proprietary Windows installer, the first installer to be certified in the TRUSTeTrusted Download Program.  Tested and optimized on over 200 million installs–currently 4.2 million installs monthly, W3i will prove to be a valued partner in growing your download business. To learn more, visit W3i’s Download Network.

Contact:
Deborah Manthei
Director of Marketing Communications
320-257-7571
deborah.manthei@W3i.com

St. Cloud, MN, October 5, 2007 – Founder and CMO of W3i Holdings, LLC, Ryan Weber will be awarded the 2007 SCSU Alumni Award for the Graduate of the Last Decade (Gold Award) on October 12, 2007, at the 2007 SCSU Alumni Awards Dinner and Ceremony.

Commenting on the award, Ryan Weber, CMO, said, “It is an honor to have been selected as the winner of this year’s SCSU Alumni Awards. I was fortunate to attend SCSU who has a first class science and engineering program. We have built our winning team with many SCSU graduates allowing us to have 106% growth in gross sales over the past four years. My sincere thanks and appreciation goes out to the staff at SCSU and the entire W3i team. We have worked together to build a thriving Internet business in central Minnesota.”

The SCSU Alumni Awards spotlight those alumni, friends and employees of the university who demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and character, individuals whose career and life accomplishments reflect positively on our university community.

About W3i
W3i delivers proven unconventional marketing solutions. With over 15 million unique users each month, W3i provides a receptive consumer base for customized, targeted marketing programs including software marketing, lead generation, display advertising and product placement. The three Weber brothers, owners of W3i, are recent winners of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2006 Award in the Minnesota and Dakotas region.

W3i Holdings, LLC, was established in 2007 to unite all its business services that were formerly known as Freeze.com, LLC, founded in 2000. Freeze.com continues to be a flagship consumer brand for W3i, along with Ringtone.com, ScreenSaver.com and Wallpapers.com. Today W3i employs more than 60 Internet professionals. To learn more about W3i, visit www.W3i.com.

About St. Cloud State University
Located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, St. Could State University (SCSU) is the largest member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, the second largest university in Minnesota. SCSU is one of the most highly accredited universities in the upper Midwest offering more that 175 academic programs.

Tags: w3i, ryan weber, scsu, alumni, mobile, st. cloud, st. cloud university, ringtones, screensavers, wallpapers