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Software Success Story: HC Top Systems

by NotePage, Inc.

Top Systems was founded in 1997 when it obtained the republishing rights for WinZip. Today Top Systems is a successful Software Publisher for German Speaking Europe. Top Systems works closely with the developers to market and sell their software, in German speaking regions. HC Top systems provides translation (or proofing of existing translations), handle packaging, public relations, marketing, distribution and sales. Developers will often view Top Systems as their sales and marketing department in the region. Top Systems promotes the software brand; and not the Top Systems brand; the product name is not changed and if possible Top Systems operates or sets-up the German domain for the developer.

Top Systems started as a one-product company focusing solely on WinZip. Over time, Top Systems has expanded its product line and they now work with a select group of developers. What has not changed is their focus on the products and their partners. They have made a smooth transition from a single-product company to supporting various developers while still retaining their success in their territory.

Top Systems has also undergone ownership changes. Initially founded in 1997 by Hans Top, Top Systems was acquired in 2000 by a German public company NetAg (www.netag.de). Since the sale Hans Top has moved on to other projects, and has resigned as Managing Director, and has not been involved in company operations since 2002. Since the sale, Top Systems has implemented the new strategy to leverage their market position, which has lead to an expanded product line and the success of the success in the territory with other products next to WinZip

A key factor to Top Systems' success is the focus on the products that they represent. Top Systems really take the extra step to make the products they represent successful. Top System's covers all channels: retail, corporate, education and online. Top System's can increase a product's distribution. They can optimize sales by pushing products in the market segments that are most successful at that time. When for whatever reason, retail is slow, they have the ability to shift marketing to other channels instantly, generating continuous growth.

Top Systems' focus on tools and utilities, has created a strong presence in both the corporate and consumer channel. This generates success with applications that appeal to both consumers and/or businesses.

Top Systems will expand its service offering to its existing and future partners extensively in the next few months. Top System's mother company Netag has recently acquired bhv GmBH and Co., which will allow them to extend their market into other key European regions. BHV is a very successful publisher of software tools, utilities and games focusing on the retail and online channel in the major European countries. The combination of Top Systems and BHV makes that we can bring products not only very successfully into the German Speaking Market but also into all of the major European countries.

When I asked Joost van Leur, managing director of Top Systems, if there was any advice that he had for new software developers starting out he said "First make sure your product is ready and stable before considering international expansion. When considering international expansion look for a partner that covers the market segments that are important to you. Bringing your product into international markets is often considered a real headache, in which case see us as your instant pain reliever."