St. Cloud, Minnesota, September 30, 2009 – Andy Johnson, CEO of W3i, to speak at Software Business 2009 today in San Diego, CA. Andy will address ways to increase revenue for applications with the freemium model.

Many applications start with a developer passionate about technology looking for a better way to accomplish something online. They love to build the application but hate to market, frequently giving their application away for free. Andy will cover various business models as well as W3i’s unique application network. By making money, passionate developers can continue to develop applications that enrich people’s lives.

“I appreciate the opportunity to attend Software Business 2009 and discuss new ways to increase distribution and revenue generation for application marketers,” comments Andy Johnson.

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

About Andy Johnson
Andy, CEO of W3i Holdings, LLC, formerly served as President of CMS Direct, a leading network database company serving the direct marketing industry. Earlier, Johnson served as President of Prefer Network, a leader in the network database industry.

Prior to that, he served as President of Fingerhut’s Electronic Commerce Division and managed Fingerhut’s Credit Card Portfolio. His background in various marketing management capacities includes direct response catalog marketing, customer acquisition, database management, credit marketing and telemarketing. In 1995 while serving as Fingerhut’s Senior Vice President Marketing, Johnson led the development effort to bring Andysgarage on line. Andysgarage was Fingerhut’s award winning closeout merchandise e-commerce site that brought the “Big Deal of the Day” to millions of consumers worldwide. In addition to numerous other awards, Andysgarage was named Best Retail Site in 1997 and Best Auction Site in 1999 by the Web Marketing Association. Johnson led the launch of Fingerhut.com in June 1997, which was the beginning of Fingerhut’s transformation from its catalog heritage into a leading web based direct marketer.

Press Contact:
Deborah Manthei
W3i Holdings, LLC
deborah.manthei@W3i.com
320-257-7571

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.

St. Cloud, Minnesota, July 16, 2009 – W3i, an application network that increases distribution, revenue, and engagement for Windows  applications, introduces a new service, 3quency^TM, a toolbar platform that simplifies the building of complex toolbars, including client and user customization features, that encourage engagement.   

Building a toolbar that engages the user with useful content and quality search capabilities is an effective marketing strategy to increase user engagement.  3quency makes it easy with drag-and-drop widgets and flexible design capabilities for stronger branding combined with W3i’s robust reporting system supplying the data needed for effective toolbar management.  “The technology makes it easy for a client to configure a toolbar’s content so that each user segment receives a unique, relevant experience that increases engagement.  Users can easily customize to suit their own needs; strengthening engagement resulting in longer user tenure and increased performance.” comments Ryan Weber, Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Co-Founder of W3i.

The first toolbar delivered by 3quency is an upgraded and enhanced Freeze.com Toolbar offering more engaging content as well as access to the widget gallery.  The free Freeze.com Toolbar is one of the most accepted recommendations offered through W3i’s Application Network.

W3i to Distribute Cozi’s Photo Collage Screen Saver Application

St. Cloud, Minnesota, July 14, 2009 – W3i, provider of marketing solutions that increase distribution, revenue, and engagement for Windows applications, announced today that Cozi is now part of W3i’s Application Network.  Cozi, a free web service that helps busy families organize and simplify their daily lives, is using W3i’s Application Network to introduce its Photo Collage Screen Saver to a broader audience and grow its user base.

“W3i’s Application Network can be a significant source of new users for growth companies with Windows applications and various types of plug-ins,” said Rob Weber, VP of Business Development at W3i.  “Cozi joins a network of application companies in their efforts to ramp up user acquisition at a known ROI.  During the installation process, W3i’s Application Network leverages the demand for popular free applications by matching users with companies seeking distribution, such as Cozi and their Photo Collage Screen Saver, giving the user a value-add.”

The Cozi Photo Collage Screen Saver automatically finds digital photos already stored on the PC from vacations, birthdays, kid’s sports events and other family activities and displays them in dynamically generated photo collages on the computer screen, organized by event.  Cozi also offers a shared family calendar and solutions to organize household lists, share information and stay in communication.

“W3i’s distribution capabilities are helping us reach new users with a focus on family,” said Robbie Cape, CEO and Co-Founder of Cozi. “W3i’s Application Network is an effective way for us to promote the Cozi Photo Collage Screen Saver and expose this audience to all of the benefits of Cozi.”      

About W3i:
W3i increases revenue, distribution, and engagement for Windows applications and plug-ins. W3i uses a network approach combining the demand for free applications monetized by the distribution of relevant applications when the consumer is in the installation mindset.  W3i’s Application Network uses Install IQ, W3i’s proprietary Windows installation manager, 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 Application Network.

About Cozi:
Cozi is a free web service that helps families organize and simplify their busy lives.  With Cozi, families have the tools to manage schedules, track shopping and to-do lists, organize household chores, and share family updates – all in one solution. Families can access Cozi from any computer at home or at work, and can get shopping lists, schedules and messages on any mobile phone. Located in Seattle, WA, Cozi was founded by veterans of Microsoft, Expedia, and Amazon with a vision for creating technology tuned to the family. Cozi has more than 1.5 million family members, and is available for free at www.cozi.com.

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

The names of companies and products mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

Online media player provides monetization and marketing opportunities for artists and record labels

St. Cloud, MN, June 5, 2009 – W3i, a provider of marketing solutions that increase revenue, distribution and engagement for Windows applications and plug-ins, and RightsFlow, a provider of music licensing and royalty services, announced today the creation of an integrated music marketing platform designed to help artists and labels monetize free music downloads through media support.

“W3i has developed solutions to enable the distribution of free content for over nine years,” comments Robert Weber, Vice President of Business Development at W3i. “Our proprietary technology, Install IQ, and W3i’s Application Network can help downloadable content providers increase their revenue as well as ensure speed-to-market while utilizing minimal artist resources.”

As traditional music business models continue to change, artists and labels are looking for innovative sources of revenue in the digital space. “We are very excited to offer record labels and artists access to the W3i Media Player,” stated Alex Holz, Director of Client Relations for RightsFlow. “This system helps artists and labels reach music lovers searching for free music, while still generating revenue from their recordings.”

The media-supported initiative involves reaching fans searching for free music and offering DRM-free downloads of unreleased and difficult-to-find digital tracks. The initial rollout features 100 tracks across Rock, Pop, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Latin, Alternative, and Country music genres, including artists such as Say When, Carey Ott, Michael Olatuja, and Drunken Barn Dance.

“We are pleased to work with W3i and RightsFlow on this exciting program,” said Gary Taylor, manager of Carey Ott and co-manager of The New Congress. “Finding creative ways to market and monetize music is especially important for D.I.Y. artists, and earning revenue while rewarding fans with free music is an unmatched deal.”

Install IQ was the first installation system certified in the TRUSTe Trusted Download program, and users have demonstrated high satisfaction in online surveys.

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 Application 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 Application Network.

About RightsFlow:
RightsFlow offers Mechanical Licensing & Royalty Solutions for labels, distributors, and online music services. We specialize in obtaining bulk mechanical, DPD, and ringtone licenses including streaming, tethered, and limited downloads rights. Our proprietary “FLOW” system allows us to license, account, and pay royalties directly to the Harry Fox Agency (HFA) and the thousands of publishers not represented by HFA. Today, RightsFlow services over 1,500 labels for mechanical and DPD licensing. Some of the many clients we service include marquee companies such as imeem, E1 Entertainment, Muzak, EMI Music, Active International, Tapulous, CD Baby, IODA, Audible Magic, YouLicense, Constellation Wines (Blackstone), X5 Music Group, Zebralution and Disc Makers, among others. For more information on RightsFlow’s services and management team, visit www.rightsflow.com.

Media Contact for W3i:
Deborah Manthei +1.320.257.7571 / deborah.manthei@W3i.com

Media Contact for RightsFlow:
Gideon Kalischer, +1-212-937-6955 / gideon.kalischer@rightsflow.com

St. Cloud, Minnesota, April 9, 2009-W3i, LLC today announced a global partnership with Yahoo!, under which W3i will continue to offer the Yahoo! Toolbar, as well as sponsored search and contextual advertising services, to over 16.5 million visitors monthly.

As a leader in desktop and browser marketing solutions, W3i provides its users with useful, safe, free software and utilities to improve their Internet experience.  W3i’s goal is to connect users with downloads that add utility to their desktop and make their time on the Internet more productive.

“Our partnership with Yahoo! allows us to offer world-class search capabilities to our users. Yahoo! has made impressive strides with its search marketing system, and continues to innovate to drive the most compelling user and advertiser experience,” said Andy Johnson, CEO of W3i. “As a leader in delivering quality, downloadable content, W3i is excited to continue our partnership and looks forward to growing our relationship with Yahoo! even more over time.”

About W3i:
W3i delivers proven, integrated desktop and browser marketing solutions.  With solutions tested and optimized on over 200 million installs–currently 4.2 million installs monthly, W3i can increase revenue and traffic for downloadable software, applications and digital content or provide a receptive consumer base for customized, targeted distribution programs while the user is in the download mode.  W3i’s solutions utilize Install IQ, a proprietary Windows installation system and download manager developed by W3i.  Install IQ is the first installation system to be certified in the TRUSTe Trusted Download Program.  To learn more about W3i, visit www.w3i.com.  For premium quality, free consumer content, visit freeze.com (screensavers, wallpaper and clip art), wallpapers.com (animated, static and Wallery wallpapers), screensaver.com (3D and flash screensavers), and my.freeze.com (latest news, home page).

Contact:
Deborah Manthei
Director of Marketing Communications
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, Minnesota, February 13, 2009 – The freemium business model can increase your bottom line.  In 1865 when King Gillette started giving his safety razor away for free, creating demand for his high-margin, disposable blades, the freemium business model was born.  Without using the freemium business model, Gillette would not have built his empire, and it is now a commonly used business model especially in the marketing of digital content. 

The freemium business model has many names—try-before-you-buy, shareware, tiered service, trial—to name a few.  Basically, it means giving something of value away for free, supported by revenue earned from the sale of an upgrade or complimentary product.  This is a very common business model in the software industry.  Software marketers promote a free version of their software supported by the premium, paid version.  The trick is to create the right mix of features, offering enough utility to the free user to create credibility, and promoting highly attractive features that will persuade the free user to become a paid subscriber.  

To create profit, the financial model looks like this:  the lifetime value of paying customers must be greater than the cost of acquiring and supporting both free and paying customers.  Reported conversion rates to the premium version vary by product, but range from .05 and 5%; the average being 2%.

There are several reasons why you should consider a freemium business model.  Here are some of them:

1. When done right, quality trials build loyalty and trust.
2. Reduces risk by giving the user a chance to experience the value of the software.
3. Expedites a large customer base, increasing network effects and efficiencies resulting in:
   • more brand awareness
   • collective intelligence
   • faster product adoption
   • a more defensible business model, and
   • more efficient marketing, as costs are spread out over a larger base.
4. The cost of distribution and the support of digital content are never lower, allowing this model to increase in popularity.

There are also several reasons why this model has its limitations:

1. People value what they pay for and will make more effort to discover how it will benefit them.
2. It is difficult to cover the acquisition and support costs if only 2% of those installing your software are actually paying for the product.

There are other “free” models that you might consider:

1. Give a “desired” product away for free when a customer commits to a long-term subscription with you.  The mobile business uses this extensively when they give a cell phone away for free if a user signs up for a long-term contract.
2. Ad-supported free – Many magazines are free or highly discounted because of the revenue-generated from their ads.
3. Giving a product away for free while charging for a complimentary, high-margin product.  King Gillette had this down to a science.  Also consider that every time you go into a theater the cost of the ticket is subsidized by the profit the theater makes when you purchase popcorn and other high-margin snack items.

Whichever business model you choose to pursue, W3i can piggyback with your offer to layer on an additional revenue or distribution stream.  Through W3i’s Download Network you have the ability to increase distribution and revenue for your downloadable content.  By using W3i’s proprietary Windows Installation System, Install IQ, you can increase distribution for your download by being one of the value-added software offered during the installation process.  Or you can increase your revenue by using the demand for your download to be combined with other value-added software offers during the installation; and you are monetized when the user selects your software as well as the additional software.  You can then earn money on 98% of users that would otherwise get away.  Software offered through Install IQ converted by as much as 60%.  Contact W3i to learn more. 

Josh Fiedler is the Business Development Lead at W3i Holdings.  As a leader in innovative ways to increase revenue and traffic for downloads, he focuses mainly on downloadable games and utility software.

About W3i:
W3i delivers proven, integrated desktop and browser marketing solutions.  With solutions tested and optimized on over 200 million installs–currently 4.2 million installs monthly, W3i can increase revenue and traffic for downloadable software, applications and digital content or provide a receptive consumer base for customized, targeted distribution programs.  W3i’s solutions utilize Install IQ, a proprietary Windows installation system and download manager developed by W3i.  Install IQ is the first installation system to be certified in the TRUSTe Trusted Download Program.  To learn more about W3i, visit www.W3i.com. 

Press Contact:
Deborah Manthei
W3i Holdings, LLC
deborah.manthei@W3i.com
320-257-7571

That free wallpaper you just downloaded could be helping a Minnesota firm bring in millions

For over eight years W3i has built its business by creating solutions that increase revenue and traffic for downloadable Internet content. By joining the W3i Download Network W3i enables partners to join forces in their marketing efforts for their Internet content.

Synopsis of Lead Story in Business Section, StarTribune, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, written by Steve Alexander, November 10, 2008.

Top Five Clips from Article with Key Points:

1. Indirect advertising is the way of the future.  Net-savvy consumers ignore traditional advertising. “Some analysts say that tapping into this indirect online advertising revenue will be the next great Internet advertising model.”
2. Unique methods of distribution are valuable as the battle goes on for market share.  By showing a potential customer how you add value and increase their penetration, you have your foot in the door.“One analyst who likes this approach is Gerry Kaufhold, with research firm In-Stat in Scottsdale, Ariz. “The problem Web advertisers have is that the branded portal sites like Yahoo or Google never reach 100 percent of the Web audience,” he said. ‘If W3i can bring Yahoo another 3 percent of the Web audience by downloading Yahoo tool bars, Yahoo likes that. It’s actually the next online business model. The W3i guys are ahead of their time.’”
3. W3i has developed a network of partners with downloadable content.  Networks cut down on marketing expense and allow you to share in technology and distribution costs.  Long- term, win-win partnerships are important to sustain business.  “Yahoo confirmed that it has a five-year-old agreement for W3i to download Yahoo tool bars in exchange for a share of Yahoo search advertising revenue. Such arrangements with smaller websites help Yahoo reach more consumers with its Internet search service, said spokeswoman Emily Fox.”
4. Improving the user experience and understanding and implementing compliance standards never stop. “’We try to get the security firms to know that we are aboveboard and transparent,’ said Robert Weber, vice president of business development. The firm seeks user permission before downloading anything, and it was recently certified by security firm Truste as meeting best practices for a downloading website, he said.”
5. Some distribution techniques may seem new, but they are spins on tried and true marketing tactics.“One of the company’s outside board members says its approach to advertising isn’t really new at all.  ‘This is direct marketing, which has been around for 80 years or longer,’ said Tim Dibble, managing general partner of Boston-based investment firm Alta Communications, a minority stakeholder in W3i. ‘But these guys are using a new delivery mechanism called the Internet.’”

About W3i:

W3i, owner of Freeze.com, delivers proven, integrated desktop and browser marketing solutions.  With solutions tested and optimized on over 200 million installs–currently 4.5 million installs monthly, W3i can increase revenue and traffic for downloadable software, applications and digital content or provide a receptive consumer base for customized, targeted distribution programs.  W3i’s solutions utilize Install IQ, a proprietary download manager and installation system developed by W3i. Install IQ is the first installation system to be certified in the TRUSTe Trusted Download Program.  To learn more about W3i, visit www.W3i.com.

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

St. Cloud, Minnesota, September 5, 2008 Developers and authors are making their software and digital content available for free to satisfy the demanding online public, but they should get some reward for their work. 

You’ve heard of the Windows installers Wise and InstallShield, and possibly Nullsoft, but how about W3i’s Install IQ?  Install IQ is a unique, ad-supported Windows installer system; and it’s the first Windows installer to be certified in the TRUSTe Trusted Download Program ensuring compliance and user satisfaction.

Install IQ, can increase your revenue and/or traffic in three ways:  monetization, bundle, and carrot. 

As a monetization partner, you do the marketing and get paid for every installation.  Yes, you get paid to use Install IQ.   With Install IQ you can customize download images with your brand and text to increase conversions.  Our research shows that this Windows installer system is widely accepted by users. For example, Install IQ generated revenues of $86,280 during the first month for an audio and multimedia player distributed by an online marketing firm.  After achieving such phenomenal success, the firm asked W3i to distribute a dozen additional applications using Install IQ.

As a bundle partner, you pay us to distribute your software and content.  When a user installs a download that they are searching for–such as a game, screensaver, utility, or desktop widget–they are asked whether they would like to install your software or content too.  Through this partnership W3i has downloaded toolbars, weather widgets, games and other useful downloads providing a rapid growth in their user base.

As a carrot partner, W3i will market your software or content free of charge.   In addition to using our unique Windows installer system, Install IQ, we put our experienced team to work for you utilizing their expertise in online marketing.  We then direct users through Install IQ installing your software or content.  Thus, we can market your software and content with funding from approved partners.  

If you have software or digital content and are interested in getting additional revenue or traffic using W3i’s unique Windows installer system, contact W3i for a free consultation.  You can then determine whether monetization, bundle or carrot is the right solution for you. 

For more information, e-mail: info@w3i.com.