Softonic.com is a software and app discovery portal based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was founded in 1997 and is owned by Softonic International. Softonic.com reaches over 100 million users per month and delivers more than 4 million downloads per day.
History
Softonic started in 1997 as a file-oriented download service called Shareware Intercom, at Intercom Online, a provider of Internet services in Cerdanyola del Vallès, near Barcelona. Files for the website originally came from the "Files Library Intercom BBS" at Intercom Online, using a "5-step semi-automated process", which was later greatly simplified. The company also offered monthly CDs of its software library for users tired of "having to wait for downloads to complete or pay exorbitant phone bills." In 1999, the service was described as having a "generosity of games, antivirus, education and the long, seductive etcetera." In 2000, the company became independent under the name Softonic. In 2004, Softonic was made available in German, and in 2005, English. Initially the service was oriented only to downloads of DOS and Windows software, but it evolved to offer software downloads for Mac and mobile platforms. Softonic was listed as the "Best place to work inSpain " in an annual study by the Great Place to Work Institute from 2009–2011, and as second-best in 2008. In 2009 and 2011, the site was listed as having the most unique visitor traffic in Spain by audit bureau OJD Interactiva. At the end of 2014, Softonic announced that a headcount reduction procedure would be carried out as a cost-cutting measure, allegedly due to financial and organizational reasons. In December, the company formalized the dismissal of 156 employees, against the initial estimation of 207. In February, 2015, Softonic announced that industry veteran and Download.com co-founder Scott Arpajian had been appointed as CEO of Softonic, replacing Founder Tomás Diago. In July 2016, Softonic announced a partnership with business software platform Crozdesk. In May 2018, the company announced that it had hired international executive Sophie Bernard as Vice President of Strategy. In October 2019, a partnership with Ghacks was announced.
Accusations of spreading malware via installer file
In recent years, Softonic was under fire from various online communities for the alleged turnaround of free and copyrighted software made by third parties, embedding the software with malware, adware, and viruses. Despite these facts, Softonic continuously increases their repository of free software, and used to provide a custom installer for delivering the targeted software along with various other optional programs. Many online creators warned users against using Softonic as a downloading agent and recommend downloading the software from the creator's own website. In March, 2015, Softonic never announced it had discontinued the Softonic Downloader.
