Parallels Acquires Positive Software - FAQs
Acquisition Summary
- Parallels acquired Positive Software from Comodo in September 2007
The acquisition of Positive Software will assist Parallels in expanding its OPEN FUSION and Application Packaging Standard (APS) initiatives to benefit a ISVs and hosting customers. More information is available in the FAQs listed below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Parallels announcing?
Parallels is announcing the acquisition of the Positive Software (PSoft) division of Comodo.
What is Parallels acquiring?
Parallels is acquiring the Positive Software division of Comodo, including all products and employees. The products include:
- H-Sphere, a complete control panel solution with billing and integrated trouble ticketing
- CP+, a web-based tool for remotely managing VPS and dedicated servers
- SiteStudio, a browser-based website design tool
- NOC Monkey, a remote provisioning tool for dedicated servers
- FreeVPS, a free Linux-based VPS solution
Why did Parallels acquire Positive Software?
Parallels believes that customers will benefit from this acquisition. Parallels customers will benefit from new development expertise in the hosting and datacenter automation areas, while PSOFT customers will benefit from having access to a wider array of solutions which are made possible through a rapidly growing company such as Parallels.
Parallels will integrate Positive Software solutions with other Parallels products through its OPEN FUSION initiative. This will provide service providers who utilize the Parallels technology platform with a wider range of solutions for automating the operational aspects of service delivery.
Further, integration with the APS standard will provide ISVs utilizing this standard with an even larger base of end users which can utilize their software solutions.
Why did Comodo sell Positive Software?
We cannot speak for the seller in general, but in general for this type of transaction to happen, the buyer has to see more intrinsic value in the asset than the seller. Parallels is focused on the hosting industry and sees a lot of strategic value in acquiring the PSOFT assets and including it within the OPEN FUSION platform.
What are the terms of the acquisition?
Unfortunately, we cannot disclose the terms of the acquisition due to confidentiality commitments with the seller.
What will happen to the Positive Software products?
Parallels will maintain all Positive Software products in their current form. Over time, Parallels will incorporate the best features of Positive Software products with existing Parallels products to create highly advanced hosting technologies. Customers will have the option to upgrade to the new technologies. In some cases, additional licensing fees may apply.
What will happen to the H-Sphere product name?
In the short term the H-Sphere name will be maintained. Over time the product logo and name will be brought under the Parallels product branding umbrella.
Will Parallels continue to provide future releases to Positive Software products?
We have not started planning future releases of the Positive Software products. Parallels will meet with the incoming development team to evaluate existing Positive Software product roadmaps within the Parallels development process.
Will Positive Software prices change?
To minimize the impact of the acquisition on current customers, Parallels will honor existing Positive Software customer contracts for both licensing and support. Proposals made prior to the acquisition, but not signed prior to the close date will be subject to review. Purchases of new licenses under existing contracts will also be subject to review.
During the course of the transition, existing H-Sphere prices posted at http://www.psoft.net/price_list.html will be changed.
- H-Sphere prices will become consistent with Parallels Business Automation
- SiteStudio prices will become consistent with Sitebuilder
- CP+ prices will become consistent with Parallels Business Automation
- Support prices will become consistent with Parallels support pricing
Will Parallels prices change?
Parallels prices will not change as a direct result of this acquisition.
What will happen with existing maintenance and support contracts?
Parallels will honor existing customer maintenance and support contracts. Services engagements that are underway/planned will continue according to the timelines established prior to the acquisition.
Will there be any changes to support?
Positive Software customers will continue to receive support form their existing PSoft support team. These support teams will benefit from additional knowledge and expertise provided by Parallels. Existing support incidents will be managed as they were prior to the acquisition.
Where can existing customers go to download product patches, release notes, and similar items?
Positive Software customers can get this information from the PSoft website. During the transition period, customers will be informed as materials are moved to the Parallels website.
What does this mean for Positive Software technology and strategic partners?
Business partners will now have the possibility to leverage a larger selection of products and distribution reach. Individual contracts and agreements will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Should existing Positive Software distribution partners continue marketing PSoft products?
Yes. Please continue marketing Positive Software solutions as you did prior to the acquisition. Parallels does not want to affect your operation in any way.
How should Positive Software distributors communicate this to their customers?
You can point them to our press release and refer them to the Parallels website (www.parallels.com/psoft).
Where can I go for more help?
Parallels is committed to helping the hosting industry. To help customers, press, and other interested parties during the time of this transition, we have established a separate email address which is monitored by a special transition team. If you have any questions about this acquisition which have not been addressed in these frequently asked questions, then you may contact us.