OLDENBURG, Germany, Mar 23, 2016 – German IT company Ashampoo has acquired software developer Ocster and added all affected software titles to their Ashampoo Systems subsidiary, founded in 2015. Ocster, also headquartered in Oldenburg, has created multi-award winning and world-renowned backup solutions that will from now on be distributed through Ashampoo’s channels as “Ashampoo Backup 2016“, “Ashampoo Backup Pro 10” and “Ashampoo Backup Business 10“, complementing Ashampoo’s line of almost 50 products. Aside from product integration, the chief executives of both companies, Sebastian Schwarz (Ashampoo CEO), Jens Klibingat (Ashampoo CFO) and Hauke Duden (Ocster CEO) have agreed to an extensive cooperation in the field of product development. Hauke Duden will strengthen the software development team of Ashampoo Systems.
Summary:
- Ashampoo acquires Ocster GmbH & Co. KG assets
- Integration into the new Ashampoo Systems GmbH & Co. KG
- Distribution of Windows backup products as “Ashampoo Backup”
- Ashampoo product portfolio grows to nearly 50 products
- Hauke Duden now part of software development staff
- Ocster customers will receive new Ashampoo Backup editions free of charge
Sebastian Schwarz, Ashampoo CEO: “We are confident that the strategic acquisition of Ocster’s core competency will significantly help us reach our high goals. The extension of our portfolio with a comprehensive and technologically mature backup solution is a logical and consequential step and possibly turns us into the IT company with the most extensive range of Windows products in the entire software industry.”
Hauke Duden returns to his “roots”
Founded in 2008, Ocster’s primary goal was to develop the easiest backup solution possible to take care of one of the biggest computer problems. Numerous awards are testament to the successful realization of that goal. For Ocster founder Hauke Duden, this is a homecoming. Hauke Duden has already worked as a developer for Ashampoo Technology and as an Ashampoo partner from 2003 to 2008. “We always stayed in touch and I paid close attention to Ashampoo’s corporate development and the marketing strategies of my former colleagues.” says Hauke Duden.
Ocster becomes Ashampoo
To make product migration as easy as possible, Ashampoo will supply all Ocster customers with free copies of the new successor products including free support and updates. “Every Ocster customer will receive an email within the next few days that includes detailed instructions.” says Jens Klibingat, Ashampoo CFO.
This means:
- Users of “Ocster Backup Business 9” will be upgraded to “Ashampoo Backup Business 10” free of charge
- Users of “Ocster Backup Pro 9” will be upgraded to “Ashampoo Backup Pro 10” free of charge
- Users of “Ocster 1-Click Backup 2” will be upgraded to “Ashampoo Backup 2016” free of charge
The new backup applications are now available for sale on Ashampoo’s website. You will find details for each product here:
About Ashampoo
Since 1999, Ashampoo has been synonymous with easy to use, reliable software made in Germany. Their product range covers nearly every need of PC users with market-leading titles such as Ashampoo Burning Studio, Ashampoo WinOptimizer and many more. Numerous national and international awards from the specialized press honor the high quality standards of our product portfolio. More than 100 million program installations in over 40 languages make Ashampoo is a global player that is constantly extending its product line.