Mustang Software - History

History

  • September 1986: Jim Harrer starts Mustang Software in the bedroom of his Bakersfield, California home.
  • March 1987: The first version of the company's Wildcat! software ships. It is designed to let computers connect to electronic bulletin boards via modem.
  • December 23, 1988: Mustang Software is incorporated in California.
  • 1991: The third version of Mustang's Wildcat! software is released, generating success for the fledgling business.
  • April 1995: Mustang Software completes its first offering of common stock. Almost immediately following its decision to go public, the company's fortunes began to erode as bulletin board software is rendered obsolete by internet browsers.
  • 1995 and 1996: Mustang's first attempts to develop Web browser software are overshadowed by Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer. Cutbacks shrink company staff from a high of around 60 people to only 30. Mustang records heavy losses as profits plummet.
  • September 1997: Mustang releases Internet Message Center software to critical acclaim. Supporting software is also released that year. The software allows companies to efficiently route, track and answer e-mail from customers.
  • September 1998: Mustang issues an additional $1.5 million in company stock to bolster dwindling cash resources. Investors also provide a $5 million line of equity credit. The move prevents Mustang from losing its place on the Nasdaq Small Cap market.
  • November 19, 1998: Mustang sells its Wildcat! software to Florida-based Santronics Software, Inc.
  • April 1999: Mustang posts its first profit in 12 consecutive quarters, recording a $10,299 improvement in its bottom line.
  • Second through fourth quarters 1999: Mustang again posts moderate losses as it builds a national sales force, regenerating its employee rolls to 62 people. Profits skyrocket as Internet Message Center finds a host of major clients in the business world.
  • October 1999: Mustang Software changes its name to Mustang.com.
  • February 28, 2000: Mustang.com announces a planned merger with Quintus Corp. Quintus will acquire Mustang for $290 million in stock. Quintus's IMC is eventually purchased by Avaya http://www.avaya.com/

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