Langmeier Backup

Sebastian Müller: Langmeier Backup is celebrating its tenth anniversary this month. Mr. Langmeier, as both the managing director and co-developer of Langmeier Backup, what inspired you to create data backup software?

Urs Langmeier: The idea actually came from a customer at an electronics store. He asked me to purchase and set up data backup software for him. At that time, the only available option was Norton Ghost, which did not support backing up individual files. This limitation motivated me to develop my own solution—Langmeier Backup.

Why did you choose to name the software after yourself?

Norton, Kaspersky, McAfee—they all followed a similar approach. By using my own name, it is immediately clear that the software originates from a German-speaking country, which I consider a distinct advantage.

What was your most memorable moment in programming?

It was when I powered on a Commodore 64 for the first time. The manual instructed me to load a program using the command: Load "PROGRAMMNAME", 8. I entered this command about fifty times without success, until I realized that "PROGRAMMNAME" needed to be replaced with the actual program name. That “aha” moment taught me the importance of precision in programming, and from then on, I was driven to write efficient code.

You later began developing LaOS. Could you tell us more about that project?

LaOS stood for Langmeier Operating System and was a hybrid between MS-DOS and Windows 3.1. While it was not a full-fledged operating system, it provided a graphical user interface for MS-DOS, featuring a variety of independent applications—graphics, ERP, animation, music programs, games, and utilities. At the time, it was common among QBasic developers to create such platforms. I developed many applications for LaOS myself, and a small but dedicated group of programmers joined me. However, we never achieved a breakthrough, likely because we entered the market too late.

Your breakthrough came with Langmeier Backup. Was there a specific moment when you decided to turn it into a major software product?

Absolutely. I have always been surprised by how many people underestimate the software market. Anyone familiar with IDC statistics knows that the storage market is a multi-billion-dollar industry. So why shouldn’t we claim a significant share? We already have the software; what we need are the right people—exceptional sales and channel experts with industry experience, who can think big and act holistically. Achieving great things requires a bold vision and the ability to leverage opportunities to transform something small into something substantial.

Do you believe there is still room for improvement at Langmeier Backup? If so, where?

Software is never truly finished. It took me two years before I felt confident standing behind the product. Anyone who has seen the earliest versions might wonder how I managed to sell so many licenses from day one. In another ten years, we will likely look back at today’s version and think the same. Continuous improvement is part of our DNA.

What are your plans for the future?

We plan to invest more in enterprise and high-end solutions, and we will further expand our sales and marketing efforts.

You hired your first employee in 2008. Did managing a growing team make things easier or more challenging for you?

It became easier when employees were willing to take initiative and assume responsibility. However, managing people is always challenging—especially in Switzerland, where employees are accustomed to a high standard of living. With most material needs already met thanks to years of economic prosperity, many now prioritize work-life balance. While this is understandable, it can be a challenge for smaller companies, where every individual’s commitment truly matters.

Looking back, would you have done anything differently, or would you want to relive that time?

I should have invested more time in sales instead of waiting for customers to find us. I also regret focusing exclusively on Switzerland for so long. To succeed in the Swiss market, we would have needed to offer our software in all three national languages, as many major clients operate throughout the country.

Mr. Langmeier, thank you for the interview, and congratulations on the tenth anniversary of Langmeier Backup!

Look it up further: Langmeier Backup, Urs Langmeier, Langmeier Software

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