Work n Play Software Ltd

A bit about us
Work n Play Software is based in Auckland, New Zealand.

The company is founded on the principles of doing things the "Kiwi way" and putting emphasis on substance over hype, honesty over self-gain, and most of all the desire to help people get the most out what they have at hand.
How did it all start?
Being this far from most sources of Macintosh software, and not having a large Macintosh market, very few companies are interested in taking a risk and importing Mac only products. As a result, there was relatively little Mac software available here, and even fewer Mac specialists.

Everything started after one person (recommending a Mac) had a discussion with two friends over what kind of computer one of them should buy. The argument went that a PC was a better choice as there was more software available.

He found himself thinking that someone should be more willing to take a chance and offer Macintosh users a reasonable choice. As they say, if you want to get something done, do it yourself.

During 1997, he collected together his life savings and started this company with the intention of selling software, promoting mature technologies and New Zealand culture, while advising companies on their computer systems (Mac as a preference).

The original shop was set up in Sandringham Rd shops, the emphasis on software sales for business and home use (hence the origin of the company name). While mainly Macintosh software was stocked, there were many cross-platform titles, and some PC only items as well.
Meanwhile, down on the Apple farm…
Shortly after WnP Software commenced operations, Apple Computers went through a bit of a downturn, and things were ominous. There was the introduction and then cancellation of licensing of the Macintosh operating system; the dramatic revamp of Apple under Gil Amelio; then the acquisition of a small computer company called Next and its founder, Steve Jobs.

The purpose of this acquisition was to buy a foundation for a next generation operating system to be known as Copland. This OS never eventuated though, and OS 8 was to be the next released.

Worker numbers were slashed, cost cutting was rampant. All the while global sales of Macintosh computers were dropping and each reported quarter, red ink bled from the financial statements.

And then something happened…

During the confusion, somehow Steve (interim) Jobs found himself stepping in for the recently dismissed C.E.O. and once again he was at the helm of the company he co-founded so many years ago.

Then the chaos intensified. Product lines were consolidated, products dropped (such as the treasured Newton PDA). But rising out of the ashes was the now legendary Bondi Blue iMac, and the path was once again heading upwards.
Back on the ranch
For a while, things looked daunting. People often came into the shop and said things like "How is Apple going, now that Microsoft has bought them?" and "Macintosh? Are they still being made?"

Over time, it became more common for people to need support with their current machines rather than new software. Compounding this problem was the growing proportion of people in the local geography who came from cultures where piracy was the accepted norm.

So demand for services went up, and demand for software stalled (many people were informed that they would not be getting any pirated software from here — but this was not a problem as they said they would get a cousin to send it over from home instead).

So in 2002, a decision was made to close the retail presence and move to office space in Mt Eden to concentrate on the support side of the business. The company retained the word "software" in its name though.

Since then, due to word of mouth WnP has become familiar to many more Mac users. And with the popularity of freelancers working in the creative industries, word has spread far and wide amongst these people.

We have witnessed businesses going from 60% Windows PCs to 90% Macintosh machines, as each person to switch demonstrates their pleasure to nearby workers.
Where to now?
Over the last few years Apple has been going from strength to strength. Thanks to design innovations such as the frequently restyled iMacs, and the explosion of the iPod music player, Apple has leapt into the mind and vocabulary of the general public.

No longer considered by most as a small high-end manufacturer that very few know much about (perhaps similar to Bang & Olufsen in audio), Apple is becoming more mainstream in acceptability.

As more company managers open themselves to the option of implementing Macintosh systems (often after purchasing an iPod or three personally), the future looks promising for further expansion of the platform and of our ability to support those participating in this evolution.