ComputerTree Evolves Into Square [i] International and Offers a Host of New Services… By Mark Mathosian
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f you live in the Triad, then you are likely familiar with Bob Young, Jr., and his company, ComputerTree. Located on Jonestown Road, ComputerTree has always been our very own go-to place for everything Apple and Macintosh, including service and training. Heading forward, ComputerTree will continue to provide all of the great Apple products and services we are accustomed to. However, there are some exciting changes in the works at ComputerTree, including a name change to Square [i] International. I recently had a conversation with Bob Young and he gave me the lowdown. Square Group (Square) is an Apple products and services reseller based in Central London that currently operates 16 stores in and around the UK. Square specializes in long-term relationships and offers a wide range of Apple software, hardware, service, support and training to its customers, ensuring that its customers “get the best from their system on an ongoing basis.” Heavy into corporate sales, Square opened an office in Singapore and Australia and decided they needed to have a presence in the United States. They let their intentions be known to an Apple representative, who in turn contacted Joe Young, a partner of 29 years in the business to see if he was interested in becoming affiliated with Square. According to Bob, “ComputerTree is currently transitioning to Square [i] International. For the local market, we will continue to remain basically the same. However, what we are adding is a broader focus with more staff. Going forward we are adding an emphasis on Fortune 1000 companies.”
service desired by the customer is growing and this aspect will evolve as Square [i] International determines what kinds of help the end users will need. “Ultimately, our goal is that wherever you are in the world, we will help you fix your unit or replace it so you can continue on with your work.” Square [i] International also offers “mobile device management.” That means the company has the ability to access customer’s iPads over a computer network from a central location to update software, install new apps and perform system/software services as needed. Another interesting and very helpful service is the ability to track, locate and even wipe clean a lost iPad. Remotely wiping clean a system is a security service you don’t just find anywhere. Another multi-national corporation Bob has been working with is a major cruise line. With this client, “we put the iPads on the ships for their customers. Passengers can see activities on the ship, schedules, events and even make reservations. Instead of printing a newsletter every day, the information goes to the iPad. They can also track where each iPad unit is on the ship and passengers can access their own e-mails, web content, photos, iTunes accounts, and books,” said Bob. “They can even wirelessly stream the content to the large flat screen in the room.” Finally, As Square [i] International’s customer base grows, Bob “will be looking to add technical staff for packing, shipping, imaging and matters related to our new business venture.” That is certainly good news for Triad residents and computer techies looking for a job. ComputerTree and Square [i] International are located at 1760 Jonestown Road, Suite 200, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, 336-768-9820, 800-467-9820. Specifics about store hours, products, training, service and support and enterprise solutions are just a click away at www.computertree.com and www.square-i.net/
Bob explains “Apple is one of the world’s largest small businesses and Square [i] International is the first world-wide reseller of Mac & iPad products. Apple is behind this because there has been a big need for worldwide distribution from a single source. The iPad was the catalyst. Part of the services we offer is acquiring different Apple products, including the iPad, setting them up with the appropriate software, case and accessories the customer wants and shipping them to the end user. We call this ‘integration and deployment.’” The products and services provided to one Fortune 100 conglomerate is a good example of how this works. This company developed their own employee apps for the iPad. Bob’s US group acquired 1000 iPad units, unboxed them, imaged the companies’ apps onto the iPads, installed them in custom cases and shipped them to the individual company employees. In addition to handling the logistics of installing and shipping the iPads, they provide technical support to the end users. The level of
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Robert Young, Jr., owner of ComputerTree demonstrating an Apple iPad for the author.