| URL | en.softonic.com |
|---|---|
| Slogan | Enjoy software! |
| Type of site | Download website |
| Available language(s) | English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Polish, Dutch and Japanese |
| Created by | Tomás Diago |
| Launched | 1997 |
| Alexa rank | 268 (January 2012[update])[1] |
| Current status | Online |
Softonic.com is a software download portal based in Barcelona, Spain, founded in 1997.[2] Since 2007, the portal has included a blog called OnSoftware.[3] In 2009 and 2011, the site was listed as having the most unique visitor traffic in Spain by audit bureau OJD Interactiva.[4][5]
Contents |
Softonic started in 1997 as a file-oriented service called Shareware Intercom,[6] at Intercom Online (Grupo Intercom), a provider of Internet services in Cerdanyola del Vallés, near Barcelona. Originally files for the website came from the "Files Library Intercom BBS" at Intercom Online, using a "5-step semi-automated process", which was later greatly simplified.[7] The company also offered monthly CDs of its software library for users tired of "having to wait for downloads to complete or pay exorbitant phone bills."[8] In 1999, the service was described as having a "generosity of games, antivirus, education and the long, seductive etcetera."[9] Due to the popularity of the service among its users, in 2000 the company became independent under the name Softonic.[10] In 2004, Softonic was made available in German, and in 2005, English.[11] Initially the service was oriented only to downloads of DOS and Windows software,[12] but evolved to offer software downloads for Mac and mobile platforms. Softonic was listed as the best place to work (100-250 employees) in an annual study by the Great Place to Work Institute, in 2009-2011, and #2 in 2008.[13][14]
Softonic offers the "Softonic Toolbar", a Windows-only 4MB web browser add-on for Firefox and Internet Explorer which provides company-specific "content on the fly, many interesting online services, and can be easily customized" and "streamed music" using the "built-in music player".[15]
Downloads hosted at Softonic can be preceded by a customized installer called "Softonic Downloader" which shows "commercial offers, such as the Softonic Toolbar."[16] Downloads not hosted by Softonic are not accompanied by the Softonic Downloader.