Softsync, Inc.
Founded in March 1981 by Sue Currier to market programs for the ZX80 written by a friend, Softsync was a major software publisher. Started with only $1,000, the company grossed over $1 million by 1983.
Softsync offering some of the first programs in the U.S. for the ZX80 that didn’t come from Sinclair. At one point, they employed nine people full-time and several part-time programmers.
In addition to selling software developed by their own programmers, they also licensed software from the United Kingdom. Many independent programmers sent their software to Softsync in hopes the company would distribute the programs. Though some were “very bad, some are quite good, and we have outside programmers help the authors prepare them for distribution,” said Currier.
Timex distributed a number of programs originally developed or licensed by Softsync.
Softsync shifted to publishing IBM PC and Macintosh software in the mid-1980s. They were acquired by Bloc Development Corp. in 1990.
Products
Articles
-
1984 Winter Consumer Electronics ShowTS 1500 TS 2068 TS 2050 TS 2040 1500, 2068 shown as well as TS 2050 modem, TS 2080 80-column dot matrix printer, TS 2040 printer. Softsync announced Personal Accountant for a variety of computers, incl Timex.
-
2K games will pleaseTS 1000 Software review Starblaster is one of six 2k games sold by Softsync.
-
3D Monster Maze and MothershipZX81 TS 1000 Software review In 3D Monster Maze you are in a maze running from T. (Tyrannosaurus) Rex. The object is to get out alive!
-
6th Computer FaireSuper Invasion for the ZX80 from SoftSync shown at the faire, along with Double Breakout.
-
A personal computer with many office applicationsTS 1000 Software review Biers describes using the TS1000 for business applications. He also authored several programs for business, incuding Business Pack I, Business Pack II and Personal Financial Planning Pack, all published by Gladstone Electronics.
-
Across the PondZX81 TS 1000 TS 2068 Overview of telecomputing and bulletin board options, including Zebra’s bulletin board. Modem options for QL covered. Softsync’s shift to IBM noted, as well as Nigel Searle’s role in the company.
-
Adventure AZX81 Software review Adventure is not for impatient or unimaginative players. It has no bombs, no graphics, and no split-second decisions. It is an intellectual game requiring thought rather than reflexes.
- Bits and Bytes
-
Changes to Super ZX80 InvasionZX80 Type-in program Add new levels of difficulty.
-
Crazybugs and CyberzoneTS 2068 Software review Reviews of Crazybugs (Timex) and Cyberzone (Softsync).
-
Double Feature AdventureTS 1000 Software review Review of “The Elusive Mr. Big” from Softsync.
-
Ex-model makes a million on $99 microTwo years ago Sue Currier interrupted a modeling career to help an Australian friend sell his two software packages for the Sinclair ZX80 computer in the United States. At that time she invested $1000 to set up a mail-order operation out of her New York City apartment.
-
Fast Action In 2KTS 1000 Software review Review of TS Destroyer and Space Raid, both from Softsync.
-
Flying Your T/S1000TS 1000 Software review Review of Night Gunner.
-
Graphics and Programming Utilities For Sinclair/TimexTS 1000 Software review Review of Programmers Toolkit and Graphics Kit from Softsync.
-
Home Computer Games: Four Great Games For The Timex Sinclair 1000TS 1000 Software review Reviews Mothership, Sea War, 3D Monster Maze and Mazogs.
-
HOT Z/Zeus ComparisonTS 2068 Software review Comparison between the two machine-language utility programs.
-
How educational are the "educational" programsTS 1000 Software review Brief overview of effective educational software and review of educational programs from International Publishing, Mindware, Reston, Softsync and Timex.
-
InfoNews/Software: Super ZX80 Invasion, Double BreakoutZX80 Super ZX80 Invasion, a 1K game for the Sinclair ZX80 personal computer, has recently been introduced by Softsync, Inc. The game engages the player in battle against space invaders attacking in battle formation. Softsync is offering Double Breakout, also a 1K game with moving graphics for the Sinclair computer.
-
InfoNews/Software: Wall BustersZX80 MicroAce Software review Wall Busters is a fast computer ball game by Softsync for the 1K Sinclair ZX80 computer. You are challenged to hit a ball with a movable bat and chip away at a brick wall. Players can choose from seven levels of speed and skill. Wall Busters is compatible with both the Sinclair ZX80 and MicroAce…
-
Key Support Operations Will StayAnnouncements of support from SoftSync, Byte-Back, Microsync Services, Thomas B. Woods, Banta Software, Kopak. Timex will honor warranties.
-
Large Scale Fun for Small Scale ComputersTS 1000 Software review Reviews of Keystroke Management (2-Bit), TS Destroyer and Space Raid (SoftSync), Millepede (Axis Software), Meteorites (SoftSync) and Merchant of Venus (Timex/Crystal Computing).
-
Let this software help you run your homeTS 1000 Software review Reviews and compares four programs specifically designed to help manage money; one to set home files straight (birthdays, recipes, phone numbers, and so on) and one full 16K program just for all those bonus coupons that accumulate.
-
M/C Group HighlightsTS 1000 TS 2068 Presentation of Zeus Assembler for the 2068; demo of Compusa disk system.
-
Magic on TapeTS 1000 Software review Review of Programmer’s Toolkit and Graphics Toolkit from Softsync.
-
Mazogs for Sinclair/TimexTS 1000 Software review Single-player treasure/maze game.
-
Meteorites And Red Alert for Sinclair/TimexTS 1000 Software review Review of two video games from Softsync, Inc.
-
Mini-Reviews: Timex Sinclair User, Nightgunner, moreTS 1000 Software review Reviews of Timex Sinclair User magazine, Multi-Program tape from SyncWare, Nightgunner from Softsync, Key Stroke Management and Truth Tables from 2-Bit Software, Inventory Control and Manufacturing Control from Timex.
-
More Software: Educational SoftwareTS 1000 Software review Educational software from Softsync and Timex.
-
Mothership For Timex/SinclairTS 1000 Software review Review of Softsync’s Mothership video game.
-
New Products and Services (Syntax v4 n12)TS 1000 TS 2068 New products from TAG Software, Gesang Associates, Intercomputer, ACE Software, Thomas B. Woods, Delphic Enterprises, Sinware, E. Arthur Brown, Softsync, Macshak Software.
-
New Products and Services (Syntax v4 n2)New products from Expense Cutters Products, JPR Software, Biocal, Memotech, R.S. Panwar, Wisconsinc Electronics, Calliope Software, Practical Computer Products, Melear Marketing, SofTek, RAMSTRAP, Syncware,f/22 Press, Hunter, Friendly Computer, M.C. Hoffman, Integrated Data Systems, Softsync.
-
New Products Directory: Fantasy/Adventure ProgramsZX81 Product announcement for “Adventure A” and “Adventure B” from Softsync.
- New Products Directory: Invasion gameZX80
-
Of InterestTS 2068 2068 and Adam Too: the 2068 is a winner.
-
Personal Accountant Quick FixTS 2068 Type-in program Patch to correct a bug in the Budget program on Personal Accountant for the TS 2068 from Softsync.
-
RedalertTS 1000 Software review Review of the game from Softsync.
-
Resources (Sync v2 n1)Listing of new user groups, books and other resources.
-
Resources (Sync v4 n2)Listing of new user groups, books and other resources.
-
Resources for the ZX80 and MicroAce (Sync v1 n3)ZX80 MicroAce Entries from manufacturers and readers. Includes the name of the item, a brief description, price and complete data on how to obtain it.
-
Review of Graphics KitTS 1000 Software review Review of the programming kit from Softsync.
-
ReviewsTS 1000 Software review Short reviews of Mothership, Gamestape 1, Graphic Golf, Mazogs, Wallbusters, Caves of Zulu, Combat Flight, Vault of the Centaurs, 80 Hours Around Europe
-
Softly, softlyZX80 TS 1000 TS 2000 David Kelly talks to Sue Currier, President of the US software house, SoftSync. SoftSync is one of only several companies in America independently producing and marketing software for the Timex/Sinclair machines – material referred to in the US as third-party software. Like so many companies thriving in the home computer boom, SoftSync came into being…
-
Softrev: Graphics KitTS 1000 Software review Reivew of the graphics kit tape from Softsync.
-
Softsync Ready with TS2000 SoftwareTS 2000 TS 2068 Softsync says it’s ready whenever Timex is, with TS2000 software now for sale.
-
SoftSync SoftwareZX80 Softsync offers ZX80 Invasion.
-
Software Review: And the Walls Came Tumbling DownZX80 Software review After the successful introduction of Super ZX80 Invasion, Softsync has come out with Double Breakout, its second active display game. Double Breakout is just as much fun as Super ZX80 Invasion, and even more challenging. This, too, fits into 1K of memory.
-
Software Review: Unfriendly SkiesZX80 Software review Softsync’s Super ZX80 Invasion. Using an active display to produce true animation. The tape comes with both 1K and 2K versions of the game.
-
Software Review: Voice ChessTS 2068 Software review One of the software packages recently introduced for the TS2068 is “Voice Chess” by SoftSync. Available on cassette, the program loaded easily and utilized well the features of the computer.
-
Software Reviews: Frogger, MothershipTS 1000 Software review For those who have played the arcade version of FROGGER, there are differences. Besides the things we are used to with our TS1000s โ no sound and no color โ the Timex version compensates for the fairly coarse graphics of its screen by presenting only half the typical arcade at a time. MOTHERSHIP reminds me…
-
Stranded on MarsTS 1000 Software review Reviews of Aardvark’s Mars, Softsync’s Super Invasion, Melbourne House’s Reversi.
-
Super ZX80 InvasionZX80 Software review This game creates impressive continuous graphics on the ZX80, but limited memory imposes severe limitations on convenient play.
-
T/S Game In 3-DTS 1000 Product announcement for Mothership, an arcade-style space fighter game in 3-D.
-
The Bargain Basement BluesTS 1000 TS 1500 TS 2068 Softsync, a New York-based producer of TS 1000 software, is feeling the heat. “The Timex/Sinclair 1000 has petered right out,” says Ken Coach, marketing and sales director of Softsync. Coach says that although the T/S 1000 was “a nice computer to get if you wanted to find out about computers, people want more bells and…
-
The Complete Gamer's Guide for all Timex and IBM PC UsersTS 1000 Short descriptions of games from Creative Software, HES, Melbourne House, Mindware, Orbyte Software, Reston Publishing, Softsync, Timeworks and Timex.
-
The Graphics KitTS 1000 Software review Review of Graphics Kit, available from Softsync.
-
The Stock Market CalculatorZX81 Software review The Stock Market Calculator helps the investor (or user) solve the complex equations inherent in Investment Analysis.
-
Timex/Sinclair games offer excitement or ennuiZX81 TS 1000 Software review Here’s some more recreational software for you hard-working Timex/Sinclair 1000 (and ZX81) owners. Reviews of Mothership (Softsync), Gulper (HES), Bat-Cage (Timex).
-
To Buy or Not to Buy? SoftwareTS 1000 Software review Reviews of the Programmers’ Toolkit and Graphics Toolkit from Softsync, CIOUTIL by Cosmonics, Flight Simulation from Timex.
-
To Buy or Not to Buy? SoftwareTS 1000 Software review Reviews of Mothership from Softsync, ZX Compiler from Bob Berch,
-
TS NewsQL More about the Sinclair QL. Brief mention of Memotech MTX-512. Software from JRC, Softsync, Apropos Technology.
-
Waiting for Santa: The micro industry looks to the Christmas marketTS 1000 TS 2068 Timex dealers have even less to smile about. Ken Coach, marketing and sales director of Softsync, told InfoWorld, “The Timex-Sinclair 1000 has petered right out.” Coach hoped that the forthcoming TS 2068, the U.S. version of the Sinclair Spectrum color machine, might share the under-$200 market with Commodore, but saw no prospects for the black-and-white…
-
Welcome to the ClubTS 1000 Having liberated the arcades, women are just starting to make their prescence felt in the mostly male game business. Not everyone agrees it’s tough to be a woman in the video game business. It can even be an advantage, says 32-year-old Sue Currier, co-partner with her husband in Softsync Inc.
- Zeus AssemblerTS 2068 Software review
-
ZX80 Double BreakoutZX80 Software review Review of the game from Softsync.
Documents
- Casino 1 Instructions
- Cyberzone manual
- More software from ... Softsync, Inc.: Timex TS-1000, Sinclair ZX81
- More Software From... SoftSync, Inc.
- Personal Accountant manual
- Sinclair ZX81 Software
- SoftSync letter and flyers
- Timex Sinclair 1000, Sinclair ZX81 software
- ZEUS Z80 Assembler manual
Computer Media
- 2K Games Pack
- Advanced Budget Manager
- Biorhythms and Day Of The Week
- Cyberzone
- Gulpman
- Shark's Treasure
- VoiceChess
- Zeus Disassembler
Advertisements
- Computers & Electronics (v21 n3)
- Computers & Electronics (v21 n6)
- Computers & Electronics (v21 n7)
- SQ Syntax Quarterly v1 n1
- SQ Syntax Quarterly v2 n1
- SQ Syntax Quarterly v2 n2
- SYNC Special Issue 1982
- SYNC v1 n4
- SYNC v1 n5
- SYNC v1 n6
- SYNC v2 n1
- SYNC v2 n2
- SYNC v2 n3
- SYNC v2 n4
- SYNC v2 n5
- SYNC v2 n6
- SYNC v3 n1
- SYNC v3 n2
- SYNC v3 n3
- SYNC v3 n4
- SYNC v3 n5
- SYNC v4 n1
- Syntax/Syntax ZX80 v3 n1
- Syntax/Syntax ZX80 v3 n2
- Syntax/Syntax ZX80 v3 n5
- Syntax/Syntax ZX80 v3 n9