Computer, Electronic, and Freeware

For most software companies, paid license model is still the main revenue stream currently. This model will still run for years. But that does not mean software companies can rest on laurels. Intense competition from open source and freeware pushes software companies, especially consumer software companies to consider ad-supported model. That is to offer free software and get revenue through advertising on it.

Microsoft ever considered to deliver some of their products as ad-funded products. The software community still wonders whether Microsoft will consider ad-supported software model again early this year. Right after that, Microsoft announece that Ad-Supported Version of Microsoft Office 14 May be Available next year. Other than Microsoft, some companies already use advertising-supported model, for example, Yahoo Messenger, Speedbit DAP. I would predict more and more software companies are going to use advertising-support software model in the near future.

Succesful Criteria for Ad-Supported Software

If a company wants to take ad-supported model, what should be the first consideration? The answer is trust and safety. The reason is obvious. The ad-supported software needs to deliver trust and being trusted by user. The ad-supported software should be safe. The question is how to gain the trust and safety? Like most websites use Google’s advertising solution, I believe the trusted and safe third party solution is the best choice for most companies.

Younexus Clean and Safe Advertising Solution

Younexus (www.younexus.com) offers clean and safe advertising solution for software. The way Younexus Advertising works is very similar to advertising through TV. Software bundle with Younexus advertising component is like a program played in television. The ads selection are based on the nature of program rather than the user’s preference or browsing habits. So Younexus does not use any user data to target ad audience. It uses software category for ad selection. Consequently, Younexus does not grab any user data either. What Younexus does is to get ads from server and display it on software GUI.

Additionally, Younexus has security requirements to software participating Younexus Advertising Program. Their security experts check each software to ensure that it doesn’t contain any spyware, virus, rootkit or Trojan.

Xun Jiang is senior scientist. He also worked in IT industry in Silicon Valley companies for many years.