Netviewer

Founded in 2001 by Andreas Schweinbenz, Netviewer AG was a German information technology company that specialized in web conferencing, desktop sharing, and remote maintenance software. Headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany, the company aimed to simplify web-based collaboration through lean, low-cost tools that allowed users to share their screens for interactive work. A significant milestone was achieved in 2002 when Netviewer won a startup competition sponsored by German savings banks and McKinsey Consulting's German branch.

Netviewer's business model operated primarily on a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and on-premises licensing basis for its commercial clients, while also offering a freeware version of its 'Meet' product for private users. The company generated revenue through these licenses, serving a wide range of clients from mid-size companies to large corporations. By 2010, Netviewer had amassed over 18,000 corporate customers across 68 countries, including major names like Bayer, BMW, SAP, and Siemens. Its investor base included notable venture capital firms such as European Founders Fund, Invision (Zug), and TVM Capital, having raised approximately $24.7 million in funding.

The product suite focused on enabling users to share screen content across the internet in real-time. Key offerings included 'Netviewer Meet' for web conferencing, 'Netviewer Support' for IT help desks, 'Netviewer Admin' for remote administration, and 'Netviewer Present' for webcasting. A core feature was the ability for a user to grant remote control to another party, facilitating technical support and collaborative editing of documents. The software was designed to run without installation on the client-side, emphasizing ease of use and rapid deployment. Security was a key consideration, with the products utilizing 256-bit AES encryption and receiving certification from the Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Telecooperation in 2004.

In a strategic move to expand its presence in Europe, Citrix Systems acquired Netviewer on February 14, 2011, for approximately $108 million. Following the acquisition, Netviewer became part of the Citrix Online division. The existing Netviewer products were eventually transitioned into Citrix's GoToMeeting and GoToAssist product lines. The Karlsruhe office remained an important operational center for Citrix in the region, continuing to support Netviewer's substantial European customer base.

Keywords: Netviewer, desktop sharing, web conferencing, remote support, remote maintenance, SaaS, Citrix acquisition, Andreas Schweinbenz, Karlsruhe startup, collaborative software, remote access, IT support software, GoToMeeting, GoToAssist, online meetings, webcasting, remote administration, screen sharing, European tech, venture capital, T-Online Venture Fund, Invision, TVM Capital, Fraunhofer Institute, secure desktop sharing