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{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Spiceworks
| name = Spiceworks
| logo = [[Image:Spiceworks logo.png|Spiceworks Inc. logo]]
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| logo_caption = Logo
| image = [[Image:spiceworks dashboard.JPG|265px]]
| image = Spiceworks dashboard.JPG
| image_caption = SpiceWorks 5.0 on the "Dashboard" screen
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'''Spiceworks''' is a professional network for the [[information technology]] (IT) industry that is headquartered in [[Austin, Texas]].<ref name="americanstatesman2014">{{cite news|last=Hawkins| first=Lori| title=Austin firm gets big boost: Tech firm gets new backers| date=4 February 2014| newspaper=Austin American-Statesman| location=Austin, TX}}</ref><ref name="marketwatch">{{cite web| url=http://blogs.marketwatch.com/thetell/2014/02/10/introducing-spiceworks-a-social-network-for-techies-it-professionals/| title=Introducing Spiceworks: A social network for techies, IT professionals| author=Ben Pimentel| date=10 February 2014| publisher=MarketWatch| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="siliconhills">{{cite web| url=http://www.siliconhillsnews.com/2014/02/03/spiceworks-pioneers-the-social-way-to-do-it-and-gets-57-million-funding/| title=Spiceworks Pioneers the Social Way to Do IT and Gets $57 Million Funding| author=AMY MCCULLOUGH| date=3 February 2014| publisher=Silicon Hills| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> The company was founded in January 2006 by Scott Abel, Jay Hallberg, Greg Kattawar, and Francis Sullivan to build IT management software.<ref name="marketwatch" /><ref name="networkworld2006">{{cite web| url=http://www.networkworld.com/article/2305105/asset-management/start-up-offers-free-management-tool---with-a-google-twist.html| title=Start-up offers free management tool – with a Google twist| author=Denise Dubie | date=21 July 2006| publisher=Network World| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref>
'''Spiceworks''' is a professional network for the [[information technology]] (IT) industry that is headquartered in [[Austin, Texas]].<ref name="americanstatesman2014">{{cite news|last=Hawkins| first=Lori| title=Austin firm gets big boost: Tech firm gets new backers| date=4 February 2014| newspaper=Austin American-Statesman| location=Austin, TX}}</ref><ref name="marketwatch">{{cite web| url=http://blogs.marketwatch.com/thetell/2014/02/10/introducing-spiceworks-a-social-network-for-techies-it-professionals/| title=Introducing Spiceworks: A social network for techies, IT professionals| first=Ben| last=Pimentel| date=10 February 2014| publisher=MarketWatch| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="siliconhills">{{cite web| url=http://www.siliconhillsnews.com/2014/02/03/spiceworks-pioneers-the-social-way-to-do-it-and-gets-57-million-funding/| title=Spiceworks Pioneers the Social Way to Do IT and Gets $57 Million Funding| first=Amy| last=McCullough| date=3 February 2014| publisher=Silicon Hills| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> The company was founded in January 2006 by Scott Abel, Jay Hallberg, Greg Kattawar, and Francis Sullivan to build IT management software.<ref name="marketwatch" /><ref name="networkworld2006">{{cite web| url=http://www.networkworld.com/article/2305105/asset-management/start-up-offers-free-management-tool---with-a-google-twist.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729003800/http://www.networkworld.com/article/2305105/asset-management/start-up-offers-free-management-tool---with-a-google-twist.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=July 29, 2014| title=Start-up offers free management tool – with a Google twist| first=Denise | last=Dubie | date=21 July 2006| publisher=Network World| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref>


Spiceworks is an online community where users can collaborate and seek advice from one another, and also engage in a marketplace to purchase IT-related services and products.<ref name=venturebeat2014>{{cite web| url=http://venturebeat.com/2014/02/03/spiceworks-57-million-funding-round/| title=Spiceworks scores $57M to reach the next 5 million IT pros| author=Eric Blattberg| date=3 February 2014| publisher=VentureBeat| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> The network is estimated to be used by more than six million IT professionals and 3,000 technology vendors.<ref name=zdnet2014>{{cite news |title=It's unanimous: The Spiceworks App Center is a hit |author=Ken Hess |work=ZDNet |date=September 29, 2014 |url=http://www.zdnet.com/article/its-unanimous-the-spiceworks-app-center-is-a-hit/ |accessdate=January 20, 2015}}</ref>
Spiceworks is an online community where users can collaborate and seek advice from one another, and also engage in a marketplace to purchase IT-related services and products.<ref name=venturebeat2014>{{cite web| url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/02/03/spiceworks-57-million-funding-round/| title=Spiceworks scores $57M to reach the next 5 million IT pros| first=Eric| last=Blattberg| date=3 February 2014| publisher=VentureBeat| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> The network is estimated to be used by more than six million IT professionals and 3,000 technology vendors.<ref name=zdnet2014>{{cite news |title=It's unanimous: The Spiceworks App Center is a hit |first=Ken |last=Hess |work=ZDNet |date=September 29, 2014 |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/its-unanimous-the-spiceworks-app-center-is-a-hit/ |access-date=January 20, 2015}}</ref>


The company's free [[proprietary software]] is written in [[Ruby on Rails]],<ref name=techrepublic>{{cite web| url=http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/programming-and-development/spiceworks-rapid-ruby-customer-focus-and-starting-a-company/350| title=Spiceworks: Rapid Ruby, Customer Focus, and Starting a Company| author=Justin James| date=4 December 2006| publisher=Tech Republic}}</ref> and runs exclusively on [[Microsoft Windows]].<ref name=communitysp>{{cite web| url=http://community.spiceworks.com/help/Spiceworks_Requirements| title=Welcome to the Spiceworks Community: Spiceworks Requirements|publisher=Spiceworks}}</ref> The software discovers [[Internet Protocol|IP]]-addressable devices and includes help desk functionality and an integrated knowledge base.<ref name=helpsp>{{cite web| url=http://community.spiceworks.com/help/How_Does_The_Scan_Work How the scan works| title=Welcome to the Spiceworks Community: Help and Documentation| publisher=Spiceworks}}</ref>
The company's free [[proprietary software]] is written in [[Ruby on Rails]],<ref name=techrepublic>{{cite web| url=http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/programming-and-development/spiceworks-rapid-ruby-customer-focus-and-starting-a-company/350| title=Spiceworks: Rapid Ruby, Customer Focus, and Starting a Company| first=Justin| last=James| date=4 December 2006| publisher=Tech Republic}}</ref> and runs exclusively on [[Microsoft Windows]].<ref name=communitysp>{{cite web| url=http://community.spiceworks.com/help/Spiceworks_Requirements| title=Welcome to the Spiceworks Community: Spiceworks Requirements|publisher=Spiceworks}}</ref> The software discovers [[Internet Protocol|IP]]-addressable devices and includes help desk functionality and an integrated knowledge base.<ref name="helpsp">{{cite web|url=http://community.spiceworks.com/help/How_Does_The_Scan_Work|title=Welcome to the Spiceworks Community: Help and Documentation|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=Spiceworks|access-date=}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
The company was formed in January 2006 by Scott Abel, Jay Hallberg, Greg Kattawar and Francis Sullivan,<ref name=siliconhills /> former executives at [[Motive, Inc|Motive]].<ref name=networkworld2006 /><ref name=wired>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.wired.com/2012/11/spiceworks/| title=Spiceworks Woos IT Admins With Free Everything| first=Klint| last=Finley| date=5 November 2012| magazine=Wired| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref><ref name=nytimes>{{cite web| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/business/media/06adco.html?_r=0&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1405969253-+5u7ODtfm4sxovXulJOHPg| title=Reaching Tech Folks on Their Turf| first=Susanna| last=Hamner| date=5 March 2009| work=New York Times| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> The company received $5 million in series A funding from [[Austin Ventures]] in June 2006.<ref name="informationweek2006">{{cite web|url=http://www.informationweek.com/spiceworks-introduces-free-ad-supported-it-management-software/d/d-id/1045553?|title=Spiceworks Introduces Free, Ad-Supported IT Management Software|date=25 July 2006|publisher=UBM Tech, InformationWeek|first=Thomas|last=Claburn|accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> Spiceworks' series B funding round was completed in August 2007 and included $8 million from [[Shasta Ventures]] and Austin Ventures.<ref name="techcrunch2007">{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2007/08/27/spiceworks-raises-8-million-google-adsense-even-supports-it-software/|title=SpiceWorks Raises $8 Million; Google Adsense Even Supports IT Software|date=27 August 2007|publisher=Tech Crunch|first=Nick|last=Gonzalez|accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> The company's $18 million series C funding round in January 2010 was headed by [[Institutional Venture Partners]].<ref name="techcrunch2010">{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/01/11/spiceworks-is-becoming-the-facebook-for-it-managers-raises-16-million-series-c/|title=Spiceworks Is Becoming The Facebook For IT Managers; Raises $16 Million Series C|date=11 January 2010|publisher=Tech Crunch|first=Leena|last=Rao|accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> In April 2011, Spiceworks received $25 million in series D funding from [[Adams Street Partners]] and [[Tenaya Capital]]<ref name="austinbizjournal2011">{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2011/04/28/spiceworks-snags-25m-to-expand-network.html|title=Spiceworks snags $25M to expand network|date=28 April 2011|publisher=Austin Business Journal|first=Christopher|last=Calnan|accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> and a 2014 series E financing round worth $57 million led by [[Goldman Sachs]].<ref name="venturebeat2014" /> In 2012, it opened its European headquarters in [[London|London, England]].<ref name="telegraphonline20142">{{cite news|title=Facebook for IT staff' raises $57m ahead of possible IPO; Spiceworks to invest in increasing its audience from 5m users every month, before embarking on the likely flotation|last=Rushton|first=Katherine|date=4 February 2014|newspaper=Telegraph}}</ref> The company celebrated its tenth anniversary in January 2016 and announced plans to add 100 additional employees during the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconhillsnews.com/2016/01/06/spiceworks-turns-10-and-plans-to-add-100-employees-this-year/|title=Spiceworks Turns 10 and Plans to Add 100 Employees This Year|last=lalorek|date=7 January 2016|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref> However, those plans were changed and in June 2016 the company announced that it was laying off approximately 12 percent of its workforce.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconhillsnews.com/2016/06/23/spiceworks-cuts-12-percent-of-its-workforce/|title=Spiceworks Cuts 12 Percent of its Workforce|last=lalorek|date=24 June 2016|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref> In addition to the layoffs, several employees in leadership positions at Spiceworks left the company to join former CEO Scott Abel in founding a new startup, Resly Labs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://umuse.io/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013173606/http://umuse.io/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=October 13, 2016|title=Umuse: Making work simple again.|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nextcoastventures.com/portfolio/|title=Portfolio|author=|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref> Resly Labs later changed their name to Umuse. [[Ziff Davis]] acquired Spiceworks in September 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190919005143/en/Ziff-Davis-B2B-Completes-Acquisition-of-Spiceworks/|title=Ziff Davis B2B Completes Acquisition of Spiceworks|date=19 September 2019 }}</ref>
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===Founding===
The company was formed in January 2006 by Scott Abel, Jay Hallberg, Greg Kattawar and Francis Sullivan,<ref name=siliconhills /> former executives at [[Motive, Inc|Motive]].<ref name=networkworld2006 /><ref name=wired>{{cite web| url=https://www.wired.com/2012/11/spiceworks/| title=Spiceworks Woos IT Admins With Free Everything| author=Klint Finley| date=5 November 2012| publisher=Wired| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref><ref name=nytimes>{{cite web| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/business/media/06adco.html?_r=0&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1405969253-+5u7ODtfm4sxovXulJOHPg| title=Reaching Tech Folks on Their Turf| author=Susanna Hamner| date=5 March 2009| publisher=New York Times| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref>The group had originally gathered in 2005, envisioning a social methodology in which to do IT.
==Software==
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In July 2006, it released a public beta.<ref name="informationweek2006" /> The 1.0 version of Spiceworks was released in November 2006.<ref name="businesswire2006">{{cite news| title=Spiceworks Launches Version 1.0 of Free IT Management Software for Small and Medium Businesses| date=6 November 2006| publisher=Business Wire}}</ref> It focused on simplifying the process of taking inventory, monitoring networks, and generating reports for IT professionals at small and medium-sized businesses.<ref name="networkworld2006" /><ref name="informationweek2006" /> By the end of its first year, Spiceworks had 120,000 users.<ref name="americanstatesman2007">{{cite news| last= Ladendorf| first=Kirk| title=Austin firm Spiceworks raises $8 million in venture funds| date=28 August 2007| newspaper=Austin American-Statesman}}</ref>


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The company released the 2.0 version of its software in December 2007.<ref name="unofficialspiceworks2">{{cite web| url=http://www.unofficialspiceworks.com/version-history/spiceworks-2-0/| title=Spiceworks 2.0| date=December 2007| publisher=Unofficial Spiceworks| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> Subsequent versions followed, leading up to version 7.0 in 2013.<ref name="spiceworks7">{{cite web|url=http://community.spiceworks.com/software/spiceworks-7-release-notes/guide|title=Spiceworks 7.0 Release Notes|date=2014|publisher=Spiceworks|accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> The company released a free network monitor product in December 2014.<ref name="computerweekly2014">{{cite news|url=http://www.computerweekly.com/blogs/open-source-insider/2014/12/spiceworks-free-network-monitor-system-health-check.html|title=Spiceworks free Network Monitor system health check|date=December 17, 2014|work=Computer Weekly|first=Adrian|last=Bridgwater|accessdate=January 20, 2015}}</ref>
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===Funding===
The company received $5 million in series A funding from [[Austin Ventures]] in June 2006.<ref name="informationweek2006">{{cite web|url=http://www.informationweek.com/spiceworks-introduces-free-ad-supported-it-management-software/d/d-id/1045553?|title=Spiceworks Introduces Free, Ad-Supported IT Management Software|date=25 July 2006|publisher=UBM Tech, InformationWeek|author=Thomas Claburn|accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> Spiceworks' series B funding round was completed in August 2007 and included $8 million from [[Shasta Ventures]] and Austin Ventures.<ref name="techcrunch2007">{{cite web|url=http://techcrunch.com/2007/08/27/spiceworks-raises-8-million-google-adsense-even-supports-it-software/|title=SpiceWorks Raises $8 Million; Google Adsense Even Supports IT Software|date=27 August 2007|publisher=Tech Crunch|author=Nick Gonzalez|accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> The company's $18 million series C funding round in January 2010 was headed by [[Institutional Venture Partners]].<ref name="techcrunch2010">{{cite web|url=http://techcrunch.com/2010/01/11/spiceworks-is-becoming-the-facebook-for-it-managers-raises-16-million-series-c/|title=Spiceworks Is Becoming The Facebook For IT Managers; Raises $16 Million Series C|date=11 January 2010|publisher=Tech Crunch|author=Leena Rao|accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> In April 2011, Spiceworks received $25 million in series D funding from Adams Street Partners and [[Tenaya Capital]]<ref name="austinbizjournal2011">{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2011/04/28/spiceworks-snags-25m-to-expand-network.html|title=Spiceworks snags $25M to expand network|date=28 April 2011|publisher=Austin Business Journal|author=Christopher Calnan|accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> and a 2014 series E financing round worth $57 million led by [[Goldman Sachs]].<ref name="venturebeat2014" />


In June 2021, Spiceworks Desktop 7.5, became unavailable for download, and at the end of the year, [[End-of-life (product)|end of life]]. The company released Cloud Help Desk solution.<ref>{{cite web |title=What's going on with Spiceworks Tools & Apps in 2021? |url=https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/2318491-what-s-going-on-with-spiceworks-tools-apps-in-2021 |website=The Spiceworks Community |access-date=25 July 2022 |language=en |date=May 18, 2021}}</ref>
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In July 2006, it released a public beta.<ref name="informationweek2006" /> The 1.0 version of Spiceworks was released in November 2006.<ref name="businesswire2006">{{cite news| title=Spiceworks Launches Version 1.0 of Free IT Management Software for Small and Medium Businesses| date=6 November 2006| publisher=Business Wire}}</ref> It focussed on simplifying the process of taking inventory, monitoring networks, and generating reports for IT professionals at small and medium-sized businesses.<ref name="networkworld2006" /><ref name="informationweek2006" /> By the end of its first year, Spiceworks had 120,000 users.<ref name="americanstatesman2007">{{cite news| last= Ladendorf| first=Kirk| title=Austin firm Spiceworks raises $8 million in venture funds| date=28 August 2007| newspaper=Austin American-Statesman}}</ref>


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==Business model==
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The company released the 2.0 version of its software in December 2007.<ref name="unofficialspiceworks2">{{cite web| url=http://www.unofficialspiceworks.com/version-history/spiceworks-2-0/| title=Spiceworks 2.0| date=December 2007| publisher=Unofficial Spiceworks| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> Subsequent versions followed, leading up to version 7.0 in 2013.<ref name="spiceworks7">{{cite web|url=http://community.spiceworks.com/software/spiceworks-7-release-notes/guide|title=Spiceworks 7.0 Release Notes|date=2014|publisher=Spiceworks|accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> The company released a free network monitor product in December 2014.<ref name="computerweekly2014">{{cite news|url=http://www.computerweekly.com/blogs/open-source-insider/2014/12/spiceworks-free-network-monitor-system-health-check.html|title=Spiceworks free Network Monitor system health check|date=December 17, 2014|work=Computer Weekly|author=Adrian Bridgwater|accessdate=January 20, 2015}}</ref>
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Spiceworks offers its professional network and software free to users.<ref name="americanstatesman2014" /><ref name="nytimes" /><ref name="wsj">{{cite web| url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB117496231973149939| title=Companies Tolerate Ads to Get Free Software| first=Vauhini| last=Vara| date=27 March 2007| newspaper=Wall Street Journal| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> The company generates most of its revenue through the sale of ads displayed on its network.<ref name="americanstatesman2014" /> A small percentage of its revenue is generated through purchases of IT products and services made through the Spiceworks platform.<ref name="venturebeat2014" />


==Corporate identity==
In 2012, it opened its European headquarters in [[London|London, England]].<ref name="telegraphonline20142">{{cite news|title=Facebook for IT staff' raises $57m ahead of possible IPO; Spiceworks to invest in increasing its audience from 5m users every month, before embarking on the likely flotation|last=Rushton|first=Katherine|date=4 February 2014|publisher=Telegraph}}</ref>


The company celebrated its tenth anniversary in January 2016 and announced plans to add 100 additional employees during the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconhillsnews.com/2016/01/06/spiceworks-turns-10-and-plans-to-add-100-employees-this-year/|title=Spiceworks Turns 10 and Plans to Add 100 Employees This Year|first=|last=lalorek|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref> However, those plans were changed and in June 2016 the company announced that it was laying off approximately 12 percent of its workforce.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconhillsnews.com/2016/06/23/spiceworks-cuts-12-percent-of-its-workforce/|title=Spiceworks Cuts 12 Percent of its Workforce|first=|last=lalorek|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref> In addition to the layoffs, several employees in leadership positions at Spiceworks left the company to join former CEO Scott Abel in founding a new startup, Resly Labs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://umuse.io/|title=Umuse: Making work simple again.|first=Umuse|last=Inc|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nextcoastventures.com/portfolio/|title=Portfolio|author=|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref>
The official mascot for Spicework is "SpiceRex."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconhillsnews.com/2014/02/03/spiceworks-pioneers-the-social-way-to-do-it-and-gets-57-million-funding/|title=Spiceworks Pioneers the Social Way to Do IT and Gets $57 Million Funding|first=Amy|last=McCullough|publisher=Silicon Hills|date=February 3, 2014|accessdate=April 30, 2017}}</ref> SpiceRex is an orange [[Tyrannosaurus rex]]. The creation was a result of Spiceworks community member, IT pro, and blogger Andy "akp982" Phelps.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://community.spiceworks.com/blog/425-meet-spicerex-your-new-best-friend-it-comrade| title=Meet SpiceRex: Your New Best Friend (& IT Comrade)!|first=Jennifer|last=Slaski|publisher=Spiceworks| date=June 1, 2010|accessdate=April 30, 2017}}</ref>

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==Business model==
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Spiceworks offers its professional network and software free to users.<ref name="americanstatesman2014" /><ref name="nytimes" /><ref name="wsj">{{cite web| url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB117496231973149939| title=Companies Tolerate Ads to Get Free Software| author=VAUHINI VARA| date=27 March 2007| publisher=Wall Street Journal| accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> The company generates most of its revenue through the sale of ads displayed on its network.<ref name="americanstatesman2014" /> A small percentage of its revenue is generated through purchases of IT products and services made through the Spiceworks platform.<ref name="venturebeat2014" /> The platform also includes premium features, which are available for purchase.<ref name="venturebeat2014" />


==Spiceworld==
==Spiceworld==
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===Austin===
Spiceworks has hosted SpiceWorld, a conference for its users, every year since 2008.<ref name=nytimes /><ref name="austinbizjournal2013">{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/techflash/2013/10/software-maker-spiceworks-hosts.html|title=Spiceworks' global influence on display at SpiceWorld in Austin|date=30 October 2013|publisher=Austin Business Journal|author=Christopher Calnan|accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> The conference was originally held at the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater.<ref name=austinbizjournal2013 /> The conference later moved to the AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center at the [[University of Texas]]. SpiceWorld 2013 and 2014 were held at the [[Austin Convention Center]].<ref name=austinbizjournal2013 /><ref name=siliconhills2014>{{cite news |title=SpiceWorld App Center Announced at Austin Conference |author=Susan Lahey |work=Silicon Hills |date=September 25, 2014 |url=http://www.siliconhillsnews.com/2014/09/25/spiceworld-app-center-announced-at-austin-conference/ |accessdate=January 20, 2015}}</ref> The first SpiceWorld London took place in May 2012 in [[Vinopolis]] in [[London|London's]] [[Bankside]].<ref name="techworld2012">{{cite web|url=http://news.techworld.com/applications/3321744/spiceworks-to-open-european-headquarters-in-london/|title=Spiceworks to open European headquarters in London|date=1 December 2011|publisher=Tech World|author=Sophie Curtis|accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref>
Spiceworks has hosted SpiceWorld, a conference for its users, every year since 2008.<ref name=nytimes /><ref name="austinbizjournal2013">{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/techflash/2013/10/software-maker-spiceworks-hosts.html|title=Spiceworks' global influence on display at SpiceWorld in Austin|date=30 October 2013|publisher=Austin Business Journal|first=Christopher|last=Calnan|accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> The conference was originally held at the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater.<ref name=austinbizjournal2013 /> The conference later moved to the AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center at the [[University of Texas]]. Starting with SpiceWorld 2013 and on, the conferences have been held at the [[Austin Convention Center]].<ref name=austinbizjournal2013 /><ref name=siliconhills2014>{{cite news |title=SpiceWorld App Center Announced at Austin Conference |first=Susan |last=Lahey |work=Silicon Hills |date=September 25, 2014 |url=http://www.siliconhillsnews.com/2014/09/25/spiceworld-app-center-announced-at-austin-conference/ |accessdate=January 20, 2015}}</ref>

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===London===
Spiceworks opened up a London office in 2012. The first SpiceWorld London took place in May 2012 in [[Vinopolis]] in [[London|London's]] [[Bankside]].<ref name="techworld2012">{{cite web|url=http://news.techworld.com/applications/3321744/spiceworks-to-open-european-headquarters-in-london/|title=Spiceworks to open European headquarters in London|date=1 December 2011|publisher=Tech World|first=Sophie|last=Curtis|accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref>

===Spiceworld 2020===
Spiceworld hosted its first virtual event in the year 2020 to overcome the pandemic challenge. This is well received by the overall IT community where they participated and engaged well. Spiceworld 2020 had more than 3000 participants. This was held from 15th September to 17th September. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abstractscorecard.com/cfp/submit/login.asp?EventKey=SBKRIZMZ/|title=SpiceWorld2020}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infinite-convergence.com/events/|title=SpiceWorld2020}}</ref>

===Spiceworld 2021===
Due to pandemic Spiceworld was conducted online. The key-note speaker for Spiceworld 2021 was [[Steve Wozniak]]. This annual event was conducted from September 27th - 29th, 2021. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/nz/news/top-tech-conferences-the-ultimate-tech-events-and-show-guide/|title=SpiceWorld2021|date=3 June 2022 }}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210615005188/en/Steve-Wozniak-Revealed-as-Keynote-Speaker-for-Spiceworks-Ziff-Davis%E2%80%99-Annual-IT-Conference-SpiceWorld-2021/|title=SpiceWorld2021|date=15 June 2021 }}</ref>


==Awards and recognition==
==Awards and recognition==
* 2007 – ''[[PC Magazine]]'s'' Editors' Choice award<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2126167,00.asp|title=Spiceworks 1.5|author=|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref>
* 2007 – ''[[PC Magazine]]'s'' Editors' Choice award<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2126167,00.asp|title=Spiceworks 1.5|author=|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref>
* 2007 – IT Solution of the Year by [[InnoTech Conference]]<ref>[http://www.allbusiness.com/technology/software-services-applications-network-software/5274039-1.html Spiceworks named IT Solution of the Year – AllBusiness.com]</ref>
* 2007 – IT Solution of the Year by InnoTech Conference<ref>[http://www.allbusiness.com/technology/software-services-applications-network-software/5274039-1.html Spiceworks named IT Solution of the Year – AllBusiness.com]</ref>
* 2009 – Spiceworks named ''[[InformationWeek]]'' Startup 50 Company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cloudcomputing.sys-con.com/node/944893|title=Spiceworks Named InformationWeek Startup 50 Company - @CloudExpo|author=|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref>
* 2009 – Spiceworks named ''[[InformationWeek]]'' Startup 50 Company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cloudcomputing.sys-con.com/node/944893|title=Spiceworks Named InformationWeek Startup 50 Company - @CloudExpo|author=|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref>
* 2009 – Spiceworks named “Top 10 B-to-B Web Site” by ''[[BtoB Magazine]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.socialmediaportal.com/PressReleases/2009/09/Spiceworks-Named-Top-10-B-to-B-Web-Site-by-BtoB-Magazine.aspx|title=Press Releases - Spiceworks Named Top 10 B-to-B Web Site by BtoB Magazine|first=Elemental Communications|last=Limited|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref>
* 2009 – Spiceworks named "Top 10 B-to-B Web Site" by ''BtoB Magazine''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.socialmediaportal.com/PressReleases/2009/09/Spiceworks-Named-Top-10-B-to-B-Web-Site-by-BtoB-Magazine.aspx|title=Press Releases - Spiceworks Named Top 10 B-to-B Web Site by BtoB Magazine|first=Elemental Communications|last=Limited|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref>
* 2010 – Spiceworks wins [[PCMag.com]] Best of 2010 Award<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101210005013/en/Spiceworks-Wins-PCMag.com-2010-Award|title=Spiceworks Wins PCMag.com Best of 2010 Award - Business Wire|author=|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref>
* 2010 – Spiceworks wins [[PCMag.com]] Best of 2010 Award<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101210005013/en/Spiceworks-Wins-PCMag.com-2010-Award|title=Spiceworks Wins PCMag.com Best of 2010 Award - Business Wire|author=|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref>
* 2010 – Spiceworks wins six [[Windows IT Pro]] Editors’ Best and Community Choice Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comparehelpdesk.com/news/spiceworks-wins-six-windows-it-pro-editors-best-and-community-choice-awards|title=Spiceworks Wins Six Windows IT Pro Editors’ Best and Community Choice Awards|author=|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref>
* 2010 – Spiceworks wins six Windows IT Pro Editors’ Best and Community Choice Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comparehelpdesk.com/news/spiceworks-wins-six-windows-it-pro-editors-best-and-community-choice-awards|title=Spiceworks Wins Six Windows IT Pro Editors' Best and Community Choice Awards|author=|date=|publisher=|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 80: Line 89:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.spiceworks.com/}}


[[Category:Companies based in Austin, Texas]]
[[Category:Companies based in Austin, Texas]]
[[Category:Companies established in 2006]]
[[Category:Computer companies established in 2006]]
[[Category:System administration]]
[[Category:System administration]]
[[Category:American companies established in 2006]]

Latest revision as of 20:49, 21 December 2024

Spiceworks
Company typePrivate
IndustryComputer software
Founded2006
Headquarters
Austin, Texas
,
United States
ProductsSpiceworks IT Desktop
Websitewww.spiceworks.com

Spiceworks is a professional network for the information technology (IT) industry that is headquartered in Austin, Texas.[1][2][3] The company was founded in January 2006 by Scott Abel, Jay Hallberg, Greg Kattawar, and Francis Sullivan to build IT management software.[2][4]

Spiceworks is an online community where users can collaborate and seek advice from one another, and also engage in a marketplace to purchase IT-related services and products.[5] The network is estimated to be used by more than six million IT professionals and 3,000 technology vendors.[6]

The company's free proprietary software is written in Ruby on Rails,[7] and runs exclusively on Microsoft Windows.[8] The software discovers IP-addressable devices and includes help desk functionality and an integrated knowledge base.[9]

History

[edit]

The company was formed in January 2006 by Scott Abel, Jay Hallberg, Greg Kattawar and Francis Sullivan,[3] former executives at Motive.[4][10][11] The company received $5 million in series A funding from Austin Ventures in June 2006.[12] Spiceworks' series B funding round was completed in August 2007 and included $8 million from Shasta Ventures and Austin Ventures.[13] The company's $18 million series C funding round in January 2010 was headed by Institutional Venture Partners.[14] In April 2011, Spiceworks received $25 million in series D funding from Adams Street Partners and Tenaya Capital[15] and a 2014 series E financing round worth $57 million led by Goldman Sachs.[5] In 2012, it opened its European headquarters in London, England.[16] The company celebrated its tenth anniversary in January 2016 and announced plans to add 100 additional employees during the year.[17] However, those plans were changed and in June 2016 the company announced that it was laying off approximately 12 percent of its workforce.[18] In addition to the layoffs, several employees in leadership positions at Spiceworks left the company to join former CEO Scott Abel in founding a new startup, Resly Labs.[19][20] Resly Labs later changed their name to Umuse. Ziff Davis acquired Spiceworks in September 2019.[21]

Software

[edit]

In July 2006, it released a public beta.[12] The 1.0 version of Spiceworks was released in November 2006.[22] It focused on simplifying the process of taking inventory, monitoring networks, and generating reports for IT professionals at small and medium-sized businesses.[4][12] By the end of its first year, Spiceworks had 120,000 users.[23]

The company released the 2.0 version of its software in December 2007.[24] Subsequent versions followed, leading up to version 7.0 in 2013.[25] The company released a free network monitor product in December 2014.[26]

In June 2021, Spiceworks Desktop 7.5, became unavailable for download, and at the end of the year, end of life. The company released Cloud Help Desk solution.[27]

Business model

[edit]

Spiceworks offers its professional network and software free to users.[1][11][28] The company generates most of its revenue through the sale of ads displayed on its network.[1] A small percentage of its revenue is generated through purchases of IT products and services made through the Spiceworks platform.[5]

Corporate identity

[edit]

The official mascot for Spicework is "SpiceRex."[29] SpiceRex is an orange Tyrannosaurus rex. The creation was a result of Spiceworks community member, IT pro, and blogger Andy "akp982" Phelps.[30]

Spiceworld

[edit]

Austin

[edit]

Spiceworks has hosted SpiceWorld, a conference for its users, every year since 2008.[11][31] The conference was originally held at the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater.[31] The conference later moved to the AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center at the University of Texas. Starting with SpiceWorld 2013 and on, the conferences have been held at the Austin Convention Center.[31][32]

London

[edit]

Spiceworks opened up a London office in 2012. The first SpiceWorld London took place in May 2012 in Vinopolis in London's Bankside.[33]

Spiceworld 2020

[edit]

Spiceworld hosted its first virtual event in the year 2020 to overcome the pandemic challenge. This is well received by the overall IT community where they participated and engaged well. Spiceworld 2020 had more than 3000 participants. This was held from 15th September to 17th September. [34] [35]

Spiceworld 2021

[edit]

Due to pandemic Spiceworld was conducted online. The key-note speaker for Spiceworld 2021 was Steve Wozniak. This annual event was conducted from September 27th - 29th, 2021. [36] [37]

Awards and recognition

[edit]
  • 2007 – PC Magazine's Editors' Choice award[38]
  • 2007 – IT Solution of the Year by InnoTech Conference[39]
  • 2009 – Spiceworks named InformationWeek Startup 50 Company.[40]
  • 2009 – Spiceworks named "Top 10 B-to-B Web Site" by BtoB Magazine[41]
  • 2010 – Spiceworks wins PCMag.com Best of 2010 Award[42]
  • 2010 – Spiceworks wins six Windows IT Pro Editors’ Best and Community Choice Awards[43]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Hawkins, Lori (4 February 2014). "Austin firm gets big boost: Tech firm gets new backers". Austin American-Statesman. Austin, TX.
  2. ^ a b Pimentel, Ben (10 February 2014). "Introducing Spiceworks: A social network for techies, IT professionals". MarketWatch. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  3. ^ a b McCullough, Amy (3 February 2014). "Spiceworks Pioneers the Social Way to Do IT and Gets $57 Million Funding". Silicon Hills. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  4. ^ a b c Dubie, Denise (21 July 2006). "Start-up offers free management tool – with a Google twist". Network World. Archived from the original on July 29, 2014. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  5. ^ a b c Blattberg, Eric (3 February 2014). "Spiceworks scores $57M to reach the next 5 million IT pros". VentureBeat. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  6. ^ Hess, Ken (September 29, 2014). "It's unanimous: The Spiceworks App Center is a hit". ZDNet. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  7. ^ James, Justin (4 December 2006). "Spiceworks: Rapid Ruby, Customer Focus, and Starting a Company". Tech Republic.
  8. ^ "Welcome to the Spiceworks Community: Spiceworks Requirements". Spiceworks.
  9. ^ "Welcome to the Spiceworks Community: Help and Documentation". Spiceworks.
  10. ^ Finley, Klint (5 November 2012). "Spiceworks Woos IT Admins With Free Everything". Wired. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  11. ^ a b c Hamner, Susanna (5 March 2009). "Reaching Tech Folks on Their Turf". New York Times. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  12. ^ a b c Claburn, Thomas (25 July 2006). "Spiceworks Introduces Free, Ad-Supported IT Management Software". UBM Tech, InformationWeek. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  13. ^ Gonzalez, Nick (27 August 2007). "SpiceWorks Raises $8 Million; Google Adsense Even Supports IT Software". Tech Crunch. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  14. ^ Rao, Leena (11 January 2010). "Spiceworks Is Becoming The Facebook For IT Managers; Raises $16 Million Series C". Tech Crunch. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  15. ^ Calnan, Christopher (28 April 2011). "Spiceworks snags $25M to expand network". Austin Business Journal. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  16. ^ Rushton, Katherine (4 February 2014). "Facebook for IT staff' raises $57m ahead of possible IPO; Spiceworks to invest in increasing its audience from 5m users every month, before embarking on the likely flotation". Telegraph.
  17. ^ lalorek (7 January 2016). "Spiceworks Turns 10 and Plans to Add 100 Employees This Year". Retrieved 6 November 2016.
  18. ^ lalorek (24 June 2016). "Spiceworks Cuts 12 Percent of its Workforce". Retrieved 6 November 2016.
  19. ^ "Umuse: Making work simple again". Archived from the original on October 13, 2016. Retrieved 6 November 2016.
  20. ^ "Portfolio". Retrieved 6 November 2016.
  21. ^ "Ziff Davis B2B Completes Acquisition of Spiceworks". 19 September 2019.
  22. ^ "Spiceworks Launches Version 1.0 of Free IT Management Software for Small and Medium Businesses". Business Wire. 6 November 2006.
  23. ^ Ladendorf, Kirk (28 August 2007). "Austin firm Spiceworks raises $8 million in venture funds". Austin American-Statesman.
  24. ^ "Spiceworks 2.0". Unofficial Spiceworks. December 2007. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  25. ^ "Spiceworks 7.0 Release Notes". Spiceworks. 2014. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  26. ^ Bridgwater, Adrian (December 17, 2014). "Spiceworks free Network Monitor system health check". Computer Weekly. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  27. ^ "What's going on with Spiceworks Tools & Apps in 2021?". The Spiceworks Community. May 18, 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  28. ^ Vara, Vauhini (27 March 2007). "Companies Tolerate Ads to Get Free Software". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  29. ^ McCullough, Amy (February 3, 2014). "Spiceworks Pioneers the Social Way to Do IT and Gets $57 Million Funding". Silicon Hills. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  30. ^ Slaski, Jennifer (June 1, 2010). "Meet SpiceRex: Your New Best Friend (& IT Comrade)!". Spiceworks. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  31. ^ a b c Calnan, Christopher (30 October 2013). "Spiceworks' global influence on display at SpiceWorld in Austin". Austin Business Journal. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  32. ^ Lahey, Susan (September 25, 2014). "SpiceWorld App Center Announced at Austin Conference". Silicon Hills. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  33. ^ Curtis, Sophie (1 December 2011). "Spiceworks to open European headquarters in London". Tech World. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  34. ^ "SpiceWorld2020".
  35. ^ "SpiceWorld2020".
  36. ^ "SpiceWorld2021". 3 June 2022.
  37. ^ "SpiceWorld2021". 15 June 2021.
  38. ^ "Spiceworks 1.5". Retrieved 6 November 2016.
  39. ^ Spiceworks named IT Solution of the Year – AllBusiness.com
  40. ^ "Spiceworks Named InformationWeek Startup 50 Company - @CloudExpo". Retrieved 6 November 2016.
  41. ^ Limited, Elemental Communications. "Press Releases - Spiceworks Named Top 10 B-to-B Web Site by BtoB Magazine". Retrieved 6 November 2016. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  42. ^ "Spiceworks Wins PCMag.com Best of 2010 Award - Business Wire". Retrieved 6 November 2016.
  43. ^ "Spiceworks Wins Six Windows IT Pro Editors' Best and Community Choice Awards". Retrieved 6 November 2016.
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