>This one is lenghty.
>
>Here we go:
>
>We have a vertical market app. There is already established competition in that market. We saw the software offered from one of those competitors. From the demo we saw it's just awful compared to what we have to offer.
>
>But here's their situation. From the information we've been able to gather it looks like there are two branches to that company.
>
>There is what we'd describe as the parent company which is international and appears to be a big business. The software branch would be the other branch but it does'nt appear as professional as the main branch. I say not as professional as the main branch because in one sentence "The software is not really doing the job it should do".
>
>Now that lead us to think that perhaps originally the parent branch did'nt have a software solution to offer and an external company came to them to offer them something additional to offer to their already established client base. So apparently a deal was made. The external company took the name of the parent company and a sofware solution was born.
>
>So the big question to you UTers is this:
>
>Should we approach the parent company to show them the software solution we have?

Why do you think that they will interesting from you? Do you succeed to get their customers? Did you thread their profit form selling ugly apps?
I was in that possition. Big company look at you as through glass.


>If yes should we do it right away or wait until we have sold more of our solution?

If you thread them they will invite you or will offer to buy you

>What would be the best ways to proceed?

Fight with them improve your software, make dumping in prices, services, try to get larger market share

>What are the risks in such a move?

Yes. For them is very easy to invest $100,000 and to make better software if you start to thread them

>What negatives sides do you see in such a venture?

If you are nobody nobody will make venture with you. Otherwise they will buy you and you will be part of larger company with all positive and negative sides

>Do you know cases where it's been done?
>
>Is there a book where strategies such as this one would be discussed?

Yes there are. During my MBA I got two exams which cover marketing startegies, bussiness behaviuor, financial managemant

>Any input from you will be welcome.

my 2 cents

>Thank you in advance.