In a joint statement, the two companies said the decision to amend the distribution agreement was based on a number of factors. Since forming the original partnership with ETC four years ago, Cast and WYSIWYG have enjoyed strong growth, while ETC has expanded and grown its product portfolio. Now, "ETC and Cast have mutually agreed it is the right time for Cast to take over full distribution of WYSIWYG products themselves," says Bill Gallinghouse, VP of Marketing & Business Development at ETC. Gil Densham, President and CEO of Cast Software says the new deal means both companies will be "better able to allocate resources and ensure more focused development of our individual product lines."
The statement promises there will have no impact on ETC or Cast customers but merely changes the logistics of distribution. To smooth the transition, both companies will provide technical support for WYSIWYG users, ETC will continue providing service to Emphasis customers, Cast will work with existing ETC dealers to migrate their WYSIWYG business over to Cast, and both companies will continue to update the Emphasis control system software and fixture library on a regular basis.
Bob Mani, VP of Sales & Business Development for Cast Software, said: "The aim of this agreement is to simplify the user experience and more effectively develop our products. Cast is especially looking forward to a more direct relationship with our dealers, end users and potential customers."
ETC product marketing manager David Lincecum explains: "The Emphasis console line has grown significantly over the past two years, both in terms of sales and capabilities. We are excited about the Emphasis software we released this year, and look forward to our continued partnership with Cast." ETC will begin shipping WYSIWYG Perform Console Edition with some of their other control products.
Both ETC and Cast software will be exhibiting on the ETC stand at LDI and welcome questions about these changes.
LDI 2004 Booth #3300
(Mike Lethby)
