AWhere gives tabled data a location component

By Renee Davis
Originally Published in MileHighNews.com
7.25.07

You just might need to thank a local software company for the ice in your Starbucks Frappuccino.

AWhere Inc., a new Golden business, creates mapping software that allows companies to map data.

So how does AWhere get involved with your iced beverage?

Starbucks, one of AWhere's customers, uses the software to overlay weather forecasts onto maps so it knows which of its coffee shops might need ice and when.

In fact, anyone with $995 to buy the software can use it to translate tabular data onto maps.

As long as the tabled data has a location competent, such as longitude and latitude, it can be plotted with AWhere's software. The idea is to help businesses see where their customers and potential customers are, said Sara Strebe, vice president of AWhere's marketing.

Another example is a company that markets to horse owners. It used AWhere's software to plot sales data and then used census data to show where horses are located in the United States.

"They realized they needed to hire more sales people for new areas," Strebe said.

People are more comfortable with seeing data related to location, Strebe said. People can see relationships between mapped data much quicker than when the data is in table form. The widespread use of computer mapping, such as Google Earth, has helped make mapping more accessible, Strebe said.

"The time is now," she said.

To start with, AWhere targeted the agricultural industry, Strebe said. The perishable nature of crops and produce make mapping a critical tool, she said. AWhere's parent company, Mud Springs, also has a history of working with agricultural businesses. AWhere's software was originally created while the company was still part of Mud Springs.

AWhere formed in February as a separate company with a mission to sell the software to new users, Strebe said.

The formation of the company prompted AWhere programmers to come together. Previously they had worked from homes across the country. Now, about 10 of its 24 staff members work in a Golden office.

So how do you pick a location for an office if you're a mapping company?

"The personality of Golden just fit our company," Strebe said.

AWHERE INC.

WHAT: The company builds easy-to-use geographic software tools that help other businesses visualize their data and get the job done without sophisticated training.

WHERE: 720 14th St., Golden

CONTACT: 303-279-9293