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Shareware firm puts ads on Web site A Medford company known for its shareware downloads is adding advertising to bolster the quality and profitability of the software it offers. Share Tech Inc. has announced the addition of advertising-supported software to its Web site, www.rocketdownload.com . The ad-supported software allows users to download and install software for free in exchange for having advertisements built into the programs. "Advertiser-supported software evens the playing field, meaning that everyone will have free access to full-featured, top-quality applications pertaining to their own interests," said Tom Knackstedt, Share Tech's president and chief executive. Conducent, a Pennsylvania-based company, adds the advertising in for individual programmers and has reached an agreement with Share Tech to add the service to the Medford company's Web offerings. Since revenue is generated by advertising, the ad-supported system allows developers to offer their products for free and still make a profit. Share Tech's Lara Knackstedt said the hope is that the ad-supported software will give users access to better free programs and give developers a way to make money at the same time. Share Tech also offers shareware, where users register to try out software, and freeware, which is given away, on its Web site. Tom Knackstedt said ad-supported software downloads may be the future of software distribution. "Rocket Download is eager to be an early provider of ad-enabled software, which is sure to be a revolutionary step for the industry," he said. "I believe that, some day, all software content will be delivered freely to those who want it, much like broadcast television is presented today." Today's Business Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA