David Dolsen Company Report: Advantage Computing Systems

Advantage ComputingBy: David Dolsen

Systems

The Product• Subscription management and fulfillment software

• Caters to publishers of magazines, journals, textbooks

• Seeking to move into digital content support

Financials• Glass Door Salary – $65,000 - $75,000

• 100 employees

• Estimated $15 - $20 million a year

History1979 2014

Founded under the

name T&B Computing

Moved to .NET

framework and C# as primary language

Name changed to Advantage Computing

Systems

Becomes an independent corporation

1992 1997 2012

What’s Hot?• Customized subscription management application

• Software updates, training, and support

• Future: Advantage Light for small publishers

Secret Sauce: Family Focus

• Place value on employees’ home lives

• Strong outside of work relationships amongst employees

• Results in employee commitment, company longevity

Historical Reasons…

Competition

Caption: “Company sources say The Onion’s

print business continues to be an unstoppable source

of profit.”

Buy or Sell?

• Compared to its competition: Buy

• Considering the industry: Sell

What would it take?• Diversify into digital media subscriptions

• Cast a wider customer net

• Pass vision and commitment on to new employees