asknet AG: Nero goes for asknet outsourcing solutions
Karlsruhe (euro adhoc) -
- Leading provider of software for the creation and playback of digital media transfers global online distribution to asknet - Future biggest asknet customer with 200 million users worldwide
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Karlsruhe, 18 December 2006 - asknet AG, Karlsruhe, one of the leading providers of outsourcing solutions for global software distribution via the Internet, has just recruited Nero AG, one of the fastest growing software manufacturers worldwide, as a customer for its eDistribution services. In early 2007, all Nero online shops will migrate to the asknet technology platform.
With 200 million users worldwide, Nero is a market leader for digital media creation and playback software. The World Wide Web already constitutes an important distribution channel for Nero today. Currently, the company generates significant sales via the Internet, with above-average growth rates.
Within the framework of the concluded agreement asknet has assumed the responsibility for technical migration of existing shops to its own platform, the implementation of the shop functions, as well as the hosting and processing of the transactions, all the way to the actual distribution of the software. In addition, asknet also provides custom distribution support through its partners in the affiliate and e-mail marketing areas. In return, asknet will participate in global online sales via a percentage-based transaction fee.
To Kris Barton, General Manager Online, Nero AG, flexibility and versatility are two particular strengths of the asknet platform: "We thoroughly analyzed the electronic software distribution market. Our decision to opt for asknet as our eDistribution partner was based mainly on the global range and the comprehensive functionalities of its technology. We are convinced that with asknet as an experienced service provider, we will be able to continuously increase our online sales."
"In Nero, we were able to convince one of the fastest growing software providers with more than 200 million customers worldwide of our eDistribution solutions," says a pleased Gerhard Rumpff, CEO of asknet AG, adding: "Nero will be asknets largest customer right from the start."
Nero will also benefit from the alliance between asknet and the Japanese technology group SoftBank BB announced in August 2006. The unique distribution network of the Japanese Internet company will markedly improve Neros sales opportunities in the largest Asian software market.
About asknet: asknet offers its customers outsourcing solutions for global software distribution via the Internet. Established in 1995 as a spin-off from Karlsruhe University, the company grew to be the Number Two of the independent global suppliers in electronic software distribution. In addition to integrated shop solutions for software producers, the company also develops and operates software distribution portals, among others softwarehouse.de, Europes biggest download platform for standard software. In 2005, asknet handled sales totaling EUR 35 million and more than 500,000 transactions. Among the customers of the Karlsruhe company are well-known suppliers of specialist software such as ACD Systems, F-Secure, InterVideo, DivX or Website Pros. In addition, asknet supplies about 70 percent of the German universities with software products. Since November 2006, asknet AG (ISIN: DE0005173306) has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. More information at: www.asknet.de
About Nero: Nero is a leading provider of digital multimedia solutions for the personal computer, consumer electronics, and mobile industries. Focused on developing technologies for digital media creation and playback, Nero provides strategic partners with applications, codecs, tools, software development kits, and programming interfaces for use with a variety of the latest platforms and devices. Nero's award-winning solutions are used by more than 200 million users worldwide in the home and professionally. Nero distributes products globally through hardware manufacturers, international partners, retailers, and directly through www.nero.com. Nero AG is headquartered in Karlsbad, Germany and serves the world with regional offices in Karlsbad, Germany (EMEA); Glendale, California, USA (Americas); and Yokohama, Japan (APAC).
end of announcement euro adhoc 18.12.2006 11:58:00
Further inquiry note:
asknet AG
Daniela Paul
Phone: +49/721/96458-6112
E-mail: daniela.paul@asknet.de
IR.on AG
Fabian Kirchmann
Phone: +49/221/9140-970
E-mail: fabian.kirchmann@ir-on.com
Branche: Electronic Commerce
ISIN: DE0005173306
WKN: 517330
Börsen: Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse / free trade/entry standard