Parallels Helm 4.0 - FAQs
Acquisition Summary
- Parallels acquired WebHost Automation in December 2007
WebHost Automation created the Helm control panel and billing software for Windows. Service providers use Helm to manage all aspects of hosting services including server management, service plan management, customer management, and billing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Parallels announcing?
Parallels is announcing the acquisition of WebHost Automation, the creators of the Helm control system for hosting.
What is Parallels acquiring?
Parallels is acquiring all of the assets of WebHost Automation, including the Helm product, the intellectual property, over 1.4 million end users, and over 1.8 million domains currently managed by the Helm control panel.
Why did Parallels acquire WebHost Automation?
Parallels believes that customers will benefit from this acquisition as Helm is integrated into the Parallels family of hosting products through the Parallels Open Fusion initiative. This will allow Helm customers to take advantage of Software as a Service opportunities and benefit from a wider array of solutions which are made possible through a rapidly growing company such as Parallels.
Parallels ISV partners which have adopted the Application Packaging Standard (APS) will benefit from having a larger base of end users which can utilize their software solutions.
Why did WebHost Automation sell their company?
We cannot speak for the seller, 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 WebHost Automation assets and including them within its service provider 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 Helm product?
Parallels will continue to develop and maintain Helm. Over time, Parallels will incorporate the best features of Helm 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 Helm product name?
In the short term the Helm product 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 for Helm?
Yes. Once we meet with the WebHost Automation development team, we will determine a roadmap for future releases of Helm. The roadmap will be focused on integration with other Parallels products as well as our Open Fusion initiative. Existing customer requests will also be considered as high priority items.
Will Helm software prices change?
To minimize the impact of the acquisition on current customers, Parallels will honor existing customer contracts for both licensing and support. Purchases of new licenses under existing contracts will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Current pricing is available on the Helm website. In the future, Parallels will emphasize a leasing model for all of its products, including Helm. Contact an Parallels sales representative if you have questions.
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?
Helm customers will continue to receive support from their existing Helm support team. The Helm support team 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?
Helm customers can get this information from the Helm website. During the transition period, customers will be informed as materials are moved to the Parallels website.
What does this mean for Helm 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 WebHost Automation distribution partners continue marketing Helm?
Yes. Please continue marketing Helm solutions as you did prior to the acquisition. Parallels does not want to impact your operation in any way.
How should Helm distributors communicate the acquisition to their customers?
Helm distributors should point their customers to our press release and refer them to the Parallels website (www.parallels.com/helm).
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.
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