Andrew Welch
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Andrew Welch is the president of Macintosh software development company Ambrosia Software. A self-taught programmer, Welch's most notable personal programming accomplishment is the writing of the pioneering shareware game classic Maelstrom in 1992, which he wrote as an undergraduate in Photojournalism at the Rochester Institute of Technology. This shortly led to the formation of Ambrosia Software.
Ambrosia Software
After writing Maelstrom, Welch chose to focus on finishing school rather than immediately working on further shareware development. On August 18, 1993, soon after graduation from college, he founded Ambrosia Software. Under Welch's direction, Ambrosia created and distributed many software utilities and games, such the company's flagship product Snapz Pro and the popular Escape Velocity Series. The common theme for games is one of reviving classic games and their inexpensive cost, though several titles are essentially original in scope.One guiding business principle Welch decided upon for these games is aiming at users who typically play pre-installed computer programs like Solitaire or Hearts, but don't normally purchase other leisure programs as a rule. Welch is considered outgoing and hardworking, having been largely responsible for Ambrosia Software's marketing success and stable growth over ten years of existence.
Ambrosia Software is now one of the premier shareware companies and some programs now come bundled with new Macintosh machines. The company still principally focuses on the Macintosh market, though several new products have been ported to Microsoft Windows. The source code to the original Maelstrom has since been released as open source software and has been ported to platforms including Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.
Outside of Ambrosia
Welch is a frequent world traveller and contributes much his free time to charity, including volunteer work at the [Lollypop Farm]. Details of his many exploits can be found on his [personal website].Rules of Shareware Development
Welch has a set of three principles that should guide the shareware developer. These principles follow, in his own words:
- Provide a quality product. This seems like common sense, I see many programs out there that are complete garbage and the author is asking $25 for it! Then he or she is disappointed when it doesn't go over well.
- Maintain the product by listening to what people want and improving it. People will be much more likely to support you if they see that you are actively working on improving your products. Free updates are a must.
- Make it easier for the person to register. I think the reason many people don't register for shareware programs isn't because they are dishonest, they just don't get around to it for one reason or another. With the number of things we all have to deal with in our daily lives, this is understandable.
Programs
- Avara
- Flashwrite
- Easy Envelope Plus
- Maelstrom
- Pillars of Garendall
- Escape Velocity and its sequels, EV Override and EV Nova.
- Snapz Pro
- WireTap Pro
- Coldstone
- Barrack
- Apeiron
Associations
- Ambrosia Software
- Beenox Studios
- Streko-Graphics Incorporated
- Apple Computer
External links
- [Ambrosia Software]
- [Personal Website]
- [Interview with Kevin Savetz]
- [Interview with IMG]
- [Interview with MacSlash]
- [How To Trouble Shoot a Fax Machine]
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