The network

The OpenCandy network enables software creators to recommend other software they believe deserves more visibility and/or might be a great fit for their users. Software creators can also make their applications available to be recommended by others, increasing their distribution. The software in our network and the recommendation experience is held to a high bar of quality, user experience and security standards.

The experience

Recommendations are made to users during the installation process. Utilizing the install process creates a user-friendly experience and offers optimal engagement for making a software recommendation. The user is presented with a screen that describes the recommendation, at which time they may choose to install the recommended software.

How it works

Software creators can choose any number of applications to recommend to their users. When a user installs their software, it queries the OpenCandy servers. Our technology evaluates the available offers and targets the best offer for that user. Because the entire process is dynamic, creators can alter their recommendations at anytime – without the need for any re-building of installers or bundling.

We then provide analytics back to the creators, so they can see how their software and recommendations are performing. This way they can better understand how to build and recommend great applications.

Economics

We've also provided our technology as a platform to a handful of software creators who are utilizing an offer screen during the install process as an advertising unit. Some creators are already monetizing their distribution by offering apps like browser toolbars, so we're helping them improve their user experience and optimize the effectiveness of their offers.