CodeWeavers
| File:CodeWeavers-logo-2020.png | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer software |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States |
Key people |
|
| Products |
|
Number of employees | 45 |
| Website | www |
CodeWeavers is a software firm dedicated to advancing Wine technology and marketing its proprietary adaptation known as CrossOver, which allows Windows programs to operate on macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux platforms. Established in 1996 originally as a consulting enterprise, the company later concentrated exclusively on Wine development and support services.
As the leading backer of the Wine initiative, CodeWeavers manages the project's website, sponsors its annual conference, employs several principal contributors—including CTO Alexandre Julliard, who serves as Wine's chief maintainer—and is responsible for roughly two-thirds of all code contributions to Wine. Additionally, the company creates wine-mono, an open-source implementation of Microsoft's .NET Framework designed specifically for use with Wine.
Since 2016, CodeWeavers has collaborated with Valve Corporation to produce Proton, a compatibility layer that enables Windows games to run on Linux through Steam. This partnership has strengthened CodeWeavers' presence in the gaming compatibility market.
Their suite of products features CrossOver, PortJump, and ExecMode, catering to both corporate clients and individual users who require Windows application functionality on alternative operating systems.
In April 2023, the company transitioned to an employee ownership trust model. Founder Jeremy White stepped down from his CEO role, with James Ramey, formerly president, taking over as CEO. This leadership transition underscores CodeWeavers’ dedication to sustainable growth and innovative organizational frameworks.
CrossOver
The CrossOver product originally targeted running the Microsoft Office suite and other productivity tools on Linux systems. Following Apple's 2006 transition to Intel processors, CodeWeavers introduced CrossOver Mac, extending Wine compatibility to Mac OS X. Among the notable supported applications are financial software like Quicken and the gaming platform Steam.
Earlier offerings such as CrossOver Plugin (for browser plugins), CrossOver Server (for multi-user setups), and CrossOver Games (providing enhanced gaming support) were merged into a unified CrossOver product line by 2012, simplifying the company's product range.
PortJump
Under the PortJump brand, CodeWeavers delivers porting services focused on Wine-based application support. A significant engagement includes a contract with Google aimed at improving Wine’s compatibility with Adobe Photoshop, highlighting strategic collaborations that broaden their influence in software interoperability.
ExecMode
The ExecMode consulting division specializes in crafting open-source solutions tailored for corporate clients. Unlike PortJump, it extends its focus beyond just Wine technology to tackle a wider array of open-source challenges within enterprise settings.
Great American Lame Duck Presidential Challenge
In July 2008, CodeWeavers initiated the Great American Lame Duck Presidential Challenge, a promotional campaign aimed at motivating President Bush to accomplish notable economic or political objectives by January 20, 2009. One of the goals included lowering gasoline prices in the Twin Cities area to $2.79 per gallon.
When fuel prices reached this benchmark on October 14, 2008, CodeWeavers honored their commitment by making their software available for free on October 28. This campaign attracted substantial attention across technology forums like Slashdot and Digg, resulting in a temporary overload of their website. To accommodate the surge in demand, CodeWeavers extended the activation timeframe for serial numbers and implemented a more efficient software distribution system. Throughout this promotion, fully unlocked editions of four CodeWeavers products were accessible for immediate download, enhancing brand exposure and user interaction.
External links
- Pages with broken file links
- 1996 establishments in Minnesota
- American companies established in 1996
- Companies based in Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Linux companies
- Proprietary commercial software for Linux
- Software companies based in Minnesota
- Software companies established in 1996
- Software companies of the United States
- Wine (software)
- 5
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment