Process Software

What Process Software does

Process Software, LLC is a Framingham, Massachusetts-based independent software vendor (operating as a subsidiary of HelpSystems since its 2024 acquisition) specializing in networking and communications software for OpenVMS, Linux, and Solaris environments. Its portfolio centers on MultiNet and TCPware (TCP/IP stacks with PTPv2 sub-microsecond timing, SSH Suite B, BIND, NFSv3 and integrated DNS), PMDF (carrier-grade internet messaging), PreciseMail (anti-spam with cluster support), PSCSSH (Secure Shell for OpenVMS VAX, Alpha, I64, and x86_64), and the VMS Authentication Module (VAM). The company was founded in the early 1990s and has served thousands of mission-critical customers worldwide for over 30 years, with named deployments at General Dynamics (2,500+ users), Kaleida Health, the University of Arizona, and Surplus Record. Differentiation rests on OpenVMS specialization: a single-interface configuration model that replaces multi-file edits required by native OpenVMS TCP/IP Services, plus integrated spam filtering and high-precision timing unavailable in stock OpenVMS stacks.

The firm operates a hybrid go-to-market combining direct enterprise sales ([email protected], +1-508 number) with a global network of authorized distributors who handle regional sales and first-line support. Revenue is generated through two streams: perpetual site licenses (pricing tied to number of authorized systems) and recurring Maintenance Service Agreements that grant patches, updates, and technical assistance. Headcount is reported in the 11-50 range and the company markets through its website, technical documentation, webinars on spam filtering and PTP, and customer case studies. As of 2025 the engineering roadmap is squarely on platform modernization — native 64-bit Linux support for PMDF and PreciseMail, OpenSSL/OpenLDAP library upgrades, MultiNet 5.6 with PTPv2, and the ongoing rollout of OpenVMS x86_64 support across the product line — indicating a defensive maintenance posture around the installed base rather than expansion into new markets.

Name

Process Software

Legal name

Process Software, LLC

Website

https://process.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Process Software is a private Framingham, Massachusetts-based vendor of TCP/IP networking, messaging, anti-spam, and secure shell software for OpenVMS and Linux platforms, serving mission-critical defense, healthcare, education, and government customers through perpetual licenses and maintenance contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Network Communications Software

NAICS

Computer Systems Design Services (541512), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

Network Architecture & Design Services (BPAEAEAA)

Keywords

• TCP/IP networking software
• OpenVMS communications
• Internet messaging systems
• Secure shell software
• Anti-spam solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Maussane

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Software Licenses: Perpetual software licenses for MultiNet, TCPware, PMDF, PreciseMail, and PSCSSH products. Licenses specify the number of systems on which software is authorized for use.
2. Maintenance and Support Services: Technical support services provided to customers with current Maintenance Service Agreement. Support includes access to patches, updates, and technical assistance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Process Software develops and licenses TCP/IP networking stacks and communications software for OpenVMS, Linux, and Solaris environments. Its core offerings include the MultiNet and TCPware TCP/IP protocol stacks, PMDF Internet messaging, PreciseMail anti-spam, PSCSSH secure shell, and the VMS Authentication Module (VAM), sold as perpetual site licenses with recurring maintenance to mission-critical enterprises such as defense, healthcare, and education organizations.

Product overview

Process Software offers a suite of networking and communications software products for OpenVMS, Linux, and Solaris platforms. The core portfolio includes MultiNet and TCPware as TCP/IP protocol stacks for networking; PMDF and PreciseMail for Internet messaging and spam filtering; PSCSSH for secure shell access; and the VMS Authentication Module for application security. These products serve mission-critical businesses requiring reliable, secure communications infrastructure.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MultiNet: TCP/IP networking stack for OpenVMS, providing network connectivity and protocol support for mission-critical systems.
• PMDF
• PreciseMail
• PSCSSH
• TCPware
• VMS Auth Module (VAM)

Products and services

• MultiNet A TCP/IP protocol stack for OpenVMS providing comprehensive networking capabilities including PTPv2 time synchronization, SSH, FTP, DNS, NFS, DHCP, and NTP services for mission-critical business communications.
• TCPware Complete suite of TCP/IP applications and security software for OpenVMS, offering networking stack, FTP, SSH, DHCP, DNS, and related utilities for protecting mission-critical businesses.
• PMDF Internet messaging software supporting OpenVMS, Linux, and Solaris platforms, providing email transport, routing, and storage capabilities for enterprise messaging environments.
• PreciseMail Anti-Spam (PMAS) Multi-platform software for carrier-grade Internet messaging and spam filtering, providing advanced filtering capabilities and cluster support for high-availability messaging environments.
• PSCSSH Secure Shell (SSH) implementation for OpenVMS VAX, Alpha, I64, and x86_64 platforms, providing encrypted remote access, secure file transfer (SFTP/SCP), and authentication capabilities.
• VMS Authentication Module (VAM) Security module that protects applications from unauthorized users and securely transfers data across the Internet, integrated with Process Software's networking products.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,500+ users supported at single enterprise customer deployment
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Authorized DistributorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributors and partners resell Process Software products including MultiNet, TCPware, PMDF, PreciseMail, and PSCSSH. These partners provide sales and first-line technical support directly to end customers in their territories.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• VMS Software Inc. VSI is the primary commercial steward of OpenVMS, porting and supporting the platform itself. Like Process Software, VSI serves a small but mission-critical OpenVMS installed base, making it the closest comparable in target market and platform dependency.
• SSH Communications Security: SSH Communications Security sells Tectia SSH and related secure communications software. Its PSCSSH product competes directly with Tectia in providing enterprise-grade SSH, and the company shares a similar focus on secure, mission-critical communications.

Broad incumbents

• Hewlett Packard Enterprise (OpenVMS TCP/IP Services): HPE ships the native TCP/IP Services stack bundled with OpenVMS. It competes head-to-head with MultiNet and TCPware on the same platforms and customer base, but as part of a much larger hardware and software portfolio.
• Proofpoint: Proofpoint is a leader in email security, anti-spam, and messaging compliance. Its capabilities overlap with PreciseMail's anti-spam functionality, particularly for carrier-grade and enterprise messaging environments.
• Mimecast: Mimecast provides cloud-based email security, archiving, and continuity. It is comparable to PMDF and PreciseMail for enterprise messaging protection, though it primarily targets mainstream Linux/Windows estates rather than OpenVMS.
• Axway: Axway offers managed file transfer and secure messaging products used in regulated, mission-critical environments. Its security-focused MFT portfolio addresses similar compliance and reliability pain points as PMDF and VAM.
• Micro Focus: Micro Focus (now OpenText) maintains and extends many legacy enterprise platforms and developer tools. Its focus on mission-critical, long-lifecycle enterprise software is comparable to Process Software's approach to OpenVMS.
• OpenText: OpenText, following its acquisition of Micro Focus, supports a wide range of legacy enterprise systems and security products. It competes for the same mission-critical, long-lifecycle customer budgets as Process Software.
• Cisco Systems: Cisco provides enterprise networking, security, and messaging infrastructure at scale. While it does not target OpenVMS specifically, it competes for the same mission-critical networking and security budgets and shapes buyer expectations.

Others

• HelpSystems (now Fortra): Fortra, the renamed HelpSystems, is the parent of Process Software and offers IT automation, security, and compliance software. It is an ecosystem participant that now owns and distributes Process Software's products.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Process Software