New Quarterdeck boss plots modules, subs-based sales

Hessler said that he expected the utilities company to return to consistent profitability through a simplification of business lines and by creating code modules that may be sold on a subscription basis.

"The whole model will change to a subscription model and we will be expected to stream functionality," Hessler said. "As long as we provide a good subscription service we will flourish. It's a completely different model to what we've been used to."

Quarterdeck also pledged to more closely focus its interests: "In the past we have attempted to be everything to everybody: everything on the Internet, everything in [system] management," said Eoin Gilley, European general manager.