Micro Application

Micro Application is a French independent company founded in 1981 by Philippe Olivier, Serge Alexandre and Jean-Jacques Becque, three former representatives of Commodore. Originally a publisher and translator of software and manuals for the emerging home micro-computing market, the company became known for adapting German Data Becker titles such as Textomat, Datamat, Calcomat and GFA Basic for platforms including Commodore, Atari, Amstrad and IBM. During the 1990s it shifted toward consumer CD-ROM and DVD-ROM products covering driving tests, languages, road atlases, home improvement, architecture, digital video and photography, and later added video games, ink cartridges, creative papers and computer cables. After a period of ownership by EPF Partners and then Avanquest Software, Micro Application returned to independence in September 2023 when the brand was bought by two former Avanquest employees. Today the company operates an e-commerce site offering downloadable software, security and VPN products, 3D architecture software, creative paper and transfer products, and video cassette digitisation kits and services. It presents itself as a French company with 40 years of expertise in digital and creative paper products, eco-responsible FSC-certified products, and production shared with the ESAT Solipolis sheltered workshop.

Micro Application was founded in 1981 by Philippe Olivier (born 1954), Serge Alexandre and Jean-Jacques Becque, three former representatives of Commodore. The company chose to focus on home computing at a time when micro-computing was spreading among the general public. During its first two decades, Micro Application was closely associated with the German publisher Data Becker (Düsseldorf), translating and adapting its office software (Textomat, Datamat, Calcomat) and development tools (GFA Basic), as well as manuals for platforms including Commodore, Atari, Amstrad and IBM. In the mid-1990s, the company turned toward the general public, distributing educational CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs (driving code, languages), practical titles (road atlases, interior design, professional architecture) and leisure products (digital video, digital photography, wedding planning, cocktails). Benefiting from distribution in hypermarkets and other retail outlets, Micro Application expanded its catalogue to include video games for Windows and Macintosh (about ten Nancy Drew titles, the RHEM series, Qui a croqué la Lune? 1 and 2, Victi: Blood Bitterness, eXperience 112, Captain Morgane et la Tortue d'or, etc.), ink cartridges, creative paper ranges and computer cables. Efforts were also made to expand into the SME market. As Data Becker faced international setbacks and eventually closed in 2014, Micro Application approached EPF Partners in 2007 and was acquired by Avanquest Software in 2010, which committed to maintaining the brand. At that time Micro Application employed 70 people and reported revenue of 20 million euros; Philippe Olivier remained the brand's leader and retained 7% of the capital. In September 2023, after Philippe Olivier's withdrawal, Micro Application became an independent company again when the brand was purchased by two employees of Avanquest Software. Today the company operates an online store offering downloadable software, security and VPN products, 3D architecture software, creative paper and transfer products, and video cassette digitisation kits and services, presenting itself as a French company with 40 years of expertise in digital and creative paper products, eco-responsible FSC-certified products, and production shared with the ESAT Solipolis sheltered workshop.

• 2023

  September: after Philippe Olivier's withdrawal, brand bought by two Avanquest Software employees; Micro Application becomes independent again.

• 2014

  Data Becker closes.

• 2010

  Acquired by Avanquest Software, which committed to maintaining the brand; at the time 70 employees and €20 million revenue.

• 2007

  Approached EPF Partners as Data Becker faced international setbacks.

• 1990

  Mid-1990s: shifted toward consumer CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs for education, practical use and leisure.

• 1981

  Founded by Philippe Olivier, Serge Alexandre and Jean-Jacques Becque, former Commodore representatives.

• 1980

  During its first two decades, associated with German publisher Data Becker as translator and adapter of software and manuals.

French independent publisher and retailer combining digital software expertise with creative paper products and heritage digitisation services, emphasising eco-responsible FSC-certified products and French-based support.

• ArchiMaster 3D Version 3

  3D architecture and house plan software.

• GhostShield VPN

  Secure VPN for encrypted browsing and IP masking.

• Kaspersky Plus – Internet Security

  Internet security software.

• Video cassette digitisation kit

  DIY kit to convert VHS, VHS-C, Video8, Hi8 or MiniDV tapes to digital files on PC or Mac.

• Video cassette digitisation service

  Send-in service for professional digitisation in France, with MP4 files returned via download or USB key.

• Creative paper products

  Transfer paper for T-shirts, transparent stickers, round stickers, A4 sticker sheets, etc.

1. 1Micro Application, Marque française depuis 1981 !microapp.com
2. 2Découvrez l'entreprise Micro Applicationmicroapp.com
3. 3Micro Application - Comparaison des produitsmicroapp.com
4. 4Numérisation de cassettes vidéo : kit ou service | Microappmicroapp.com
5. 5Micro Application, S.A.wikidata.org
6. 6Micro Applicationfr.wikipedia.org