Software Business Start-up Memories Key Decisions in Success Stories

Describes the decisions that led to the success of 16 software companies. The decisions are illustrated in detail, providing entrepreneurs with insights into what it takes to make a decision that changes the future of a company.

RODERICK VAN CANN is a product manager at Stabiplan, The Netherlands


SJAAK BRINKKEMPER is a professor of Information Systems, Utrecht University, The Netherlands


SLINGER JANSEN is an assistant professor of Information Systems, Utrecht University, The Netherlands

List of Tables
List of Figures
Acknowledgements
Preface
Author Information
Introduction
The Software Start-up Decision Model
The Early-life Decision Model
Theoretical Background
Stages of Growth
Influence of Venture Capital
Success Factors in New Ventures and Products
The Influence of the Entrepreneur
Decision Making
Lessons of Software Entrepreneurs
AFAS
Customer Participation Sessions
Scoping and Focus
Licensing
Consultancy 
Other
Wrong Decisions
Summary
DBS
Approaching Software Vendors 
Changing Company Focus
Extending Product Range
Wrong Decisions
Summary
Noldus Information Technology 
Don't Limit Yourself to the Start Niche
Being Open to Inventions from Others
Opening Offices Abroad
Community Building
Wrong Decisions
Summary
Exact
Vision
Cash Flow
Technology Choices
Focus on Marketing
Overcoming Problems 
Other
Wrong Decisions
Summary
Stabiplan
Market Emergence and Vision 
Introduce a Lite Version
Taking Over the Biggest Competitor
Focus
Redesigning the Software
Other
Wrong Decisions
Summary
Sofon
Standard software 
Internationally Applicable
Affiliation with Complementary Products
Other
Wrong Decisions
Summary
GX Software
Focus
Partnering Strategy
Communication
Internationalization
Other
Wrong Decisions 
Summary
Pallas Athena
Focusing on Case Management versus Workflow Management
Becoming a Software Company
Global Orientation 
Product Acquisition and Product Integration
Transforming the Company Structure
Other
Wrong Decisions
Summary
ORTEC
Starting 
Product Development
Internationalization
Other
Wrong Decisions
Summary
E-office
Starting with a Dream
Company Structure
Mobile
Human Behaviour Consultancy
Start using Google Products
How to Make Decisions
Wrong Decisions
Summary
ChipSoft
Management-by-event
Product Choices
Human Resources 
Other 
Wrong Decisions
Summary
Syntess Software
Starting and Finding a Dealer
Having a Goal
Extra Office
Company Culture
Other
Wrong Decisions
Summary
Planon
Focusing on Software and Facility Management
Become Market Leader
Internationalization
Product Positioning 
Standardize the Implementation Method
Wrong Decisions
Summary
Ultimo Software Solutions
Maintenance Management and Flexibility
Focus
Switching Database Systems
Widening and Deepening of the Product
Company Culture
Other
Wrong Decisions
Summary
Centric 
The Start of Centric
Buying a Posting Company
Rapid Expansion
Partitioning the Company
Other 
Wrong Decisions
Summary
UNIT4
Focus on a Product Strategy
Standardized Maintenance
Balancing Short Term Decisions with Long Term Decisions
Going Public
Other
Wrong Decisions
Summary
Decision Categories
Shaping the Company
Developing the Product
Establishing the Market
Going International
What can be Learned from the Decision Categories
The Early-life Decision Model for Software Entrepreneurs 
Decision Analysis
Business Model Canvas
Managerial Growth Challenge Conceptualization for Small Software Firms
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Appendix – Early-life Decisions Overview