User:Coopycob/Sandbox

W3i
W3i, LLC, a privately held company in St. Cloud, Minnesota, is an application network that increases revenue, distribution and engagement for Windows and browser consumer applications. W3i uses a network approach combining the demand for free and trial applications monetized by the distribution of relevant applications when the consumer is in the installation mindset.

History
Originally founded in 2000, under the name Freeze.com (now owned-and-operated by W3i) by Robert, Ryan, and Aaron Weber. W3i developed a business model that funds the development and marketing of consumer applications by offering them to users using an ad-supported model during installation. Initial content included 3D screensavers, animated wallpaper, and clip art. In August, 2003, Freeze.com purchased Screensaver.com from RI Soft Systems.[1] In 2005, Alta Communications partnered with W3i’s management team to facilitate a recapitalization of the Company and support its future growth.[2]

Freeze.com changed its name to W3i in 2007 to reflect an evolution of its application business.[3] In 2008 the W3i Application Network was launched as a network of application publishers, advertisers, and consumers brought together during the installation of applications using a proprietary installation manager, InstallIQ.[4]  In May, 2008, InstallIQ became the first, ad-supported installation manager to achieve TRUSTe certification. [5] Since inception W3i has installed over 300 million applications.

In July 2009 W3i introduced 3quency, a toolbar platform that simplifies the building of complex toolbars to increase consumer engagement.[6]

References:
1.	"[Well-known Screensaver Site Sold]", Newswit.com, August 15, 2003. <21 September, 2009>

2.	“Portfolio-Digital Media”, Alta Communications. <21 September, 2009>

3.	“Freeze.com, LLC Announces Name Change to W3i to Unify Properties,” PR Web, January 13, 2007. <21 September, 2009>

4. “W3i Unveils InstallIQ, a Tool Designed to Increase the Flexibility of Software Downloads,” PR Web, Feburary 21, 2008. <21 September, 2009>

5. “First Install System Certified in the TRUSTe Trusted Download Program,” eMediaWire, May 20, 2008. <21 September, 2009>

6. “W3i Introduces 3quency™, a Unique Toolbar Service for Increased Consumer Engagement,” July 16, 2009, tmcnet.com. <21 September, 2009>