Looksoftware
Looksoftware (within Fresche Solutions) provides AI-powered IBM i modernization tools, 24/7 managed services, cloud hosting, and Microsoft-stack analytics to 2,200+ organizations including 50+ Fortune 500 clients across retail, distribution, healthcare, and manufacturing.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersMontreal, Canada
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Looksoftware does
Looksoftware operates as a product line within Fresche Solutions, an IBM i (AS/400) modernization and managed services firm headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The company builds and licenses a broad portfolio of proprietary tools — including X-Analysis (AI-powered code analysis), X-Modernize AI (LLM-agnostic agentic conversion of RPG, COBOL, and Synon to Java/PHP), Presto and the Newlook Suite (green-screen UI modernization), WebSmart (web/mobile development), Formtastic, Security Suite, Nexus, and X-DB Transform — alongside deeper service offerings such as Modernization as a Service (MaaS), KTLO 24/7 managed services, cloud managed services on IBM PowerVS, disaster recovery, custom web development, and a data analytics/AI practice built on Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Dynamics 365, and Copilot Studio. The platform targets enterprises running IBM i estates that need to modernize user interfaces, convert legacy code, migrate to cloud, or unlock data for analytics, serving more than 2,200 organizations including 50+ Fortune 500 clients and 500+ managed accounts.
The business runs on a hybrid GTM combining direct enterprise field sales, a global Power Partner Program (VARs, MSPs, ISVs, SIs, independent consultants), and distribution through TD SYNNEX, with co-sell leverage from IBM Silver Partner, Microsoft Solutions Partner, and AWS Partner Network statuses. Revenue mechanics are split between subscription managed services (24/7 infrastructure, application support, security, DR), Modernization as a Service on a pay-as-you-go phased subscription, usage-based cloud hosting/backup/DR on PowerVS, recurring software licensing, and project-based professional services. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The company has been operating for 40+ years, is privately held with no disclosed funding rounds, and runs offices across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, and India with customer operations extending into Latin America.
Looksoftware firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Looksoftware
- Legal name
- Fresche Solutions Inc.
- Website
- https://freschesolutions.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Looksoftware (within Fresche Solutions) provides AI-powered IBM i modernization tools, 24/7 managed services, cloud hosting, and Microsoft-stack analytics to 2,200+ organizations including 50+ Fortune 500 clients across retail, distribution, healthcare, and manufacturing.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Looksoftware industry classification
Industry- Product category
- IBM i Modernization Software
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415), Computer Systems Design Services (541512), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (51821)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Application Maintenance & Support (AMS) (BPAEAFAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Custom Application Development (Web/Mobile/Desktop) (BPAEAFAA), UI/UX Engineering & Front-End Modernization (BPAEAFAH)
Keywords
Where Looksoftware is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Montreal
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices9 records
Markets served
Looksoftware business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Operations
Revenue model
- Managed Services (KTLO): 24/7 managed services for IBM i infrastructure and applications on a subscription basis. Includes monitoring, disaster recovery, security, and application support.
- Modernization as a Service (MaaS): Pay-as-you-go phased modernization approach for IBM i applications. Monthly subscription-based model adapting to customer roadmap with AI-powered code and application transformation.
- Cloud Services: IBM i cloud hosting, backup, and disaster recovery services including IBM PowerVS management. Revenue generated from infrastructure consumption and management fees.
- Software Products: Licensing and support for proprietary IBM i tools including X-Analysis, Presto, WebSmart, Formtastic, and security suite products.
- Professional Services: Custom web application development, database modernization, UI modernization, and strategic consulting services.
- Data Analytics & AI Services: Data strategy, advanced analytics, AI readiness, and Microsoft Fabric/Azure implementation services leveraging Microsoft technologies.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Managed services subscription based on service scope and system requirements |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Looksoftware product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Looksoftware develops and provides GUI modernization, application integration, mobile and web access, RPG open access, and ISV programs for IBM i (AS/400) environments. The company's flagship product, Newlook Suite, delivers visual UI modernization tools that allow IBM i applications to be transformed with modern interfaces, tabs, dropdowns, and responsive designs without requiring HTML coding or full backend rewrites. Looksoftware's solutions are part of the broader Fresche Solutions portfolio, serving enterprises seeking to extend the life of their legacy IBM i systems.
Product overview
Fresche Solutions offers a comprehensive portfolio of IBM i modernization and managed services products and solutions. The core offerings include Modernization as a Service (MaaS) powered by AI (X-Modernize AI, X-Analysis AI), Cloud Managed Services (IBM i cloud hosting, PowerVS management, backup and disaster recovery), KTLO Managed Services (24/7 infrastructure support, application managed services, security, disaster recovery), and Data Analytics & AI (data strategy, advanced analytics, Microsoft Fabric/Azure/Power BI services, Dynamics 365 analytics). Supporting the services are software products including X-Analysis suite (Advisor, View, Resize, Replay), Presto (green screen modernization), Websmart (web development), Formtastic (document modernization), Fastfax (fax solutions), Security Suite (Audit, Detect, Secure, Central, Encrypt), Nexus (portal), Newlook Suite (UI modernization), Clover (web reporting), Progen Plus (application generator), and various Db2/development tools. The portfolio also includes professional services for custom development, UI modernization, training, and the Rebadge365 talent retention solution. The company operates globally with offices in North America, Europe, and India.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- X-Analysis: AI-powered visibility tool for IBM i modernization - analyzes RPG, COBOL, and CA 2E Synon applications.
- Presto
- Websmart
- Formtastic
- Fastfax
- Security Suite
- Nexus
- X-Modernize AI
- OmniAnalytics
Products and services
- Newlook Suite UI modernization suite that gives IBM i applications a modern visual design in minutes, improving application usability with tabs, dropdowns, datepickers, and modern visual elements without requiring HTML coding or backend changes.
- Presto IBM i (AS/400) green screen modernization tool that transforms traditional 5250 green screen interfaces into modern web UIs with visual customization capabilities including tabs, dropdowns, datepickers, and charts, using visual development tools without HTML coding.
- WebSmart IBM i web and mobile application development tool that uses responsive templates for creating custom RPG and PHP applications and APIs, enabling modern browser-based experiences for IBM i environments.
- Nexus IBM i-hosted web portal enabling secure browser access to enterprise information, with single sign-on authentication and customizable user access levels for mobile and web access to IBM i data.
- Clover Real-time IBM i web reporting tool that creates web-based reports using DB2, MySQL, and MS SQL templates, enabling modern browser-based report delivery for IBM i data.
Quantifiable outcome
- 38% increase in application speed (Winsupply)
- +8 more outcomes
Companies that use Looksoftware
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Looksoftware technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration15 records
AI capability10 records
Feature9 records
Looksoftware partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.
- FalconStorstrategicPartnership to modernize IBM i data backup and management using FalconStor's backup and recovery solutions.
- 11:11 Systemscore11:11 Systems named Fresche as their 2025 MSP Partner of the Year, North America. Joint delivery of managed backup, disaster recovery, and IBM i cloud solutions.
- AWScoreAWS Partner Network member providing IBM i cloud solutions. Fresche offers cloud migration and hosting services leveraging AWS infrastructure for IBM i workloads.
- InforcoreStrategic partnership providing modernization services for Infor ERP environments running on IBM i. Joint solutions for manufacturing, distribution, and other verticals.
- TD SYNNEXcoreDistribution partnership enabling broader market reach for Fresche solutions through TD SYNNEX's extensive distributor network.
- AstadiastrategicStrategic partnership for mainframe and IBM i modernization. Combined expertise for large-scale transformation projects.
- IBMcoreIBM Silver Business Partner with exclusive access to IBM technologies including PowerVS, Power10, and IBM Cloud. Priority support and deep integration capabilities.
- MicrosoftcoreMicrosoft Solutions Partner providing solutions around Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, and Dynamics 365. Certified delivery experts for Microsoft data and analytics implementations.
- Greenlight TechnologiesminorPartner using Fresche's suite of tools to expand into strategic consulting services for enterprise clients.
- iTHEISminorPartner offering IBM i solutions and services.
- Big BlueminorPartner offering IBM i solutions.
- GR SolutionsminorPartner providing IBM i solutions and services.
Scale indicators17 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Looksoftware competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Accenture: Accenture delivers large-scale legacy modernization and cloud migration for Fortune 500 enterprises, frequently competing with Fresche for large IBM i transformation mandates at multinational customers.
- CGI Group: CGI is a Canadian-headquartered IT services and consulting firm with deep enterprise and IBM i/system integration practices, directly comparable in geography and customer base to Fresche's Canadian enterprise services business.
- Kyndryl: Kyndryl, the IBM-managed-infrastructure spinoff, provides enterprise managed services including for IBM i environments; as a much larger incumbent, it competes for the same Fortune 500 IBM i managed services RFPs that Fresche targets.
- IBM (IBM Consulting): IBM itself offers consulting, cloud (PowerVS), and modernization services for its own IBM i platform; as both Fresche's strategic partner and an indirect competitor, IBM can absorb modernization work that might otherwise go to Fresche.
Direct peers
- LANSA: LANSA provides low-code application development, modernization, and web enablement tools for IBM i, competing with Fresche's WebSmart and Presto for RPG modernization and green-screen-to-web transformation projects.
- Fortra (formerly HelpSystems): Fortra offers a broad suite of IBM i security, automation, and management tools that overlap directly with Fresche's Security Suite, X-Analysis, and managed services portfolio, serving the same IBM i enterprise base.
- Astadia: Astadia is a direct competitor in IBM i and mainframe modernization; Fresche even lists Astadia as a strategic partner for combined mainframe/IBM i transformation projects, highlighting direct overlap in target customers and modernization offerings.
- Maxava: Maxava specializes in IBM i high availability and disaster recovery software and services, directly competing with Fresche's Disaster Recovery and Cloud Managed Services modules for the same IBM i customer base.
- Profound Logic: Profound Logic provides IBM i web and mobile modernization tools (Profound UI, Node.js integration) that compete with Fresche's Presto, WebSmart, and Newlook Suite for UI modernization of RPG/green-screen applications.
Regional players
- Skytap (IBM): Skytap provides cloud infrastructure for IBM Power/IBM i workloads, overlapping with Fresche's IBM PowerVS and cloud managed services; recently acquired by IBM, it represents a hyperscaler-aligned alternative to Fresche's hosting.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Looksoftware social profiles
Digital presenceLooksoftware compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Looksoftware financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Looksoftware leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Looksoftware funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Looksoftware M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Looksoftware
What does Looksoftware do?
Looksoftware develops and provides GUI modernization, application integration, mobile and web access, RPG open access, and ISV programs for IBM i (AS/400) environments. The company's flagship product, Newlook Suite, delivers visual UI modernization tools that allow IBM i applications to be transformed with modern interfaces, tabs, dropdowns, and responsive designs without requiring HTML coding or full backend rewrites. Looksoftware's solutions are part of the broader Fresche Solutions portfolio, serving enterprises seeking to extend the life of their legacy IBM i systems.
Is Looksoftware a public or private company?
Looksoftware is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Looksoftware founded?
Looksoftware was founded in 1984. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Looksoftware based?
Looksoftware is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Looksoftware make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Managed Services (KTLO) is the primary driver. The others are modernization as a Service (MaaS), cloud Services, software Products, professional Services and data Analytics & AI Services.
Who are Looksoftware's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Accenture, CGI Group, Kyndryl and IBM (IBM Consulting). Direct peers are LANSA, Fortra (formerly HelpSystems), Astadia, Maxava and Profound Logic. Skytap (IBM) is listed as a regional player.
Does Looksoftware have an API?
No public API is recorded for Looksoftware.
What industry is Looksoftware in?
Looksoftware's product category is IBM i Modernization Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEAFAC, Application Maintenance & Support (AMS), with a secondary code of BPAEAFAA, Custom Application Development (Web/Mobile/Desktop). Its NAICS code is 5415 and its SIC code is 7373.