Desktop.com Introduces Devtop, the First Integrated Platform for Building, Deploying, and Distributing Web-Based Applications

Business Wire, June 26, 2000

Business/Technology Editors

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 2000

Desktop.com (www.desktop.com), the first integrated and personalized Internet desktop platform, today introduced Devtop (www.devtop.com), the first open, integrated platform for building, deploying, and distributing Web-based applications. Devtop reduces development time, minimizes cost, enables enriched functionality, and offers broader distribution for Web application providers everywhere.

Devtop provides the infrastructure, content, technology, and other resources needed to build Web-based applications. The service includes an Application Programming Interface (API) and corresponding documentation to access databases and servers, 25MB free storage, and content such as news headlines, sports scores, and stock quotes. Devtop's free hosting, 24x7 monitoring site management, and reporting minimize the time, money and technical expertise required to deploy an application.

Devtop is targeted at independent software developers who build applications for personal use, public use, or under contract, and businesses with specific application needs. In addition, Desktop.com strategic platform partners who seek broad distribution of their applications, technology or content can take advantage of all the benefits of the platform. These partners are able to offer their content on the platform for developers or businesses to use in derivative applications, thereby benefiting from the distribution of those applications, and incorporating their technology or content throughout the Desktop.com network.

"Devtop is an incredible resource," said Tait Larson, a Devtop beta developer. "Without Desktop's API, it would take a lot of time, energy and money to pull together the tools and infrastructure I would need to build a highly visible application. I also appreciate the opportunity to build powerful applications that many people could benefit from."

Devtop applications that were built by developers in the beta program included business applications such as Hiring Assistant, designed for hiring managers to make faster, more educated hiring decisions. Hiring Assistant is a centralized application to distribute resumes, schedule interviews, and collect feedback on candidates. A collaborative workgroup application, Opinionator, combines group file sharing with a unique messageboard functionality to consolidate feedback, suggestions and comments.

In addition to Devtop's many services and tools for building applications, it is the first platform to combine this infrastructure with widespread distribution opportunities. Distribution through Desktop.com's end user offerings includes Desktop (http://www.desktop.com), the company's Internet desktop service, AppMania (http://www.appmania.com), an upcoming applications directory service, and a network of syndicated customer desktops.

As a complete destination for developers, Devtop will incorporate community and marketplace services as well. Developers will gain exposure to potential customers, identify and source contract development opportunities, collaborate on joint development projects, exchange ideas, and share code.

"As shrink-wrapped software becomes a service, and the Internet enables a new category of networked applications, this platform delivers on every phase of application development," said Katie Burke, CEO of Desktop.com. "We are excited to continually innovate our services and deliver on the needs of builders of web-based applications everywhere." About Desktop.com Desktop.com (www.desktop.com) offers the first integrated and personalized Internet desktop platform. For Web users, developers and businesses, the Desktop.com platform enables an unparalleled degree of personalization, integration and convenience that fundamentally improves the way people use the Web today. Desktop.com's services include Desktop, a portable Internet desktop for organizing favorite sites, services and applications, and Devtop (www.devtop.com), a comprehensive development platform for building, deploying, and distributing Web applications. Desktop.com offers its platform technology to businesses interested in providing customized, branded Internet desktops and applications for their customers and employees. The privately held company is located in San Francisco, CA, and its investors include Accel Partners, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and Sequoia Capital.