Services provide remote PC tech support.
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Press Release Summary:
Available at OfficeMax stores and online, ctrlcenter(TM) offers small businesses, home office workers, and other PC users 24/7 remote alternative to physical visits. Services include Set-Up for new PCs, wireless networks, peripherals, and software; Fit-It services such as PC Restoration and General Technology Help Session to restore performance; and Protect-It services including PC Guardian and Unlimited Held Desk Support to ensure customers stay secure.
Original Press Release:
Video: OfficeMax Launches ctrlcenter(TM), New Remote PC Tech Support Service
NAPERVILLE, Ill., April 25 /-- OfficeMax(R) (NYSE:OMX), a leading provider of office products and services, today announced the launch of a new advanced remote tech support service called ctrlcenter(TM). Available at all OfficeMax stores nationwide or online at officemax.com or ctrl- center.com, OfficeMax ctrlcenter offers small businesses, home office workers and other PC users a 24/7 remote alternative to the slower and more costly "truck roll" tech support services.
Because 90 percent of computer problems can be solved remotely -- without the intrusion and incremental cost of an onsite visit by a technician -- the new OfficeMax ctrlcenter is based upon remote support for PCs and consumer electronics devices from digital cameras and smart phones to Palm Pilots and iPods, all delivered via the Internet through a broadband connection or by phone.
"Personal computers, PDA's and phones have become so key to our everyday personal and professional lives that a crash or loss of data and functionality is truly catastrophic," said Ryan Vero, executive vice president of marketing and chief merchandising officer for OfficeMax. "Our goal in creating ctrlcenter is to make the ongoing support and maintenance of everyday technology so accessible and cost effective that we can alleviate the fear and remorse associated with a device crash."
To allow its customers to test drive the new ctrlcenter services, OfficeMax is offering any consumer visiting the Web site ctrl-center.com a free PC Checkup (a $49.99 value) that includes a custom computer analysis that identifies any viruses or spyware, warns about limits on memory or disc space, and assesses security vulnerabilities for wireless networks. A free PC Checkup is also available by visiting any OfficeMax store and obtaining a free PC Checkup CD. Additional for fee services may be recommended based on check up results.
As the number of computers in home, school and work have increased dramatically, so have the number of viruses and other vicious programs that threaten the stability, functionality and security of these computers. According to data collected by HiWired, Inc., OfficeMax's strategic partner in providing ctrlcenter's services, on the state of personal computer risk and protection:
-- 75 percent* of all computers have some online intruder (virus, spyware, malware, adware).
-- 50 percent* of computers don't have updated security (anti-virus, anti-spyware) software.
-- 50 percent* of wireless networks are not set up properly with the recommended security encryption.
*In 2007, HiWired, Inc. conducted an analysis of more than 10,000 systems.
The remote capabilities of OfficeMax's ctrlcenter support creates a service that is faster, less expensive and more secure than conventional services that send a stranger to one's home or office. The immediacy of online and phone connections ensure that there is no wait time for a visit to be scheduled and no delays while a technician is "en route" to a physical location. And, according to HiWired, Inc., remote service is more cost effective than typical service visits, with costs up to 60 percent less than the average onsite ticket charged by leading providers. Most importantly, OfficeMax ctrlcenter provides a safer, more secure service with no strangers physically intruding in one's home or office, and empowers customers to control what information technicians can access.
OfficeMax will initially offer eight ctrlcenter tech support services, ranging in price from $50 to $500. Services include Set-Up services for new PCs, Wireless Networks, Peripherals, and Software to ensure our customers get the most out of their new technology; Fit-It services PC Restoration and General Technology Help Session to restore performance when our customers run into problems with their technology; and Protect-It services PC Guardian and Unlimited Held Desk Support to ensure our customers stay secure and always have instant access to the best technical support when they need it most.. For more information about ctrlcenter remote support from OfficeMax, consumers may visit any OfficeMax store, call 1-877-MAX-CTRL, or the Web site at www.ctrl-center.com.
About OfficeMax
OfficeMax Incorporated (NYSE:OMX) is a leader in both business-to- business and retail office products distribution. The OfficeMax mission is simple: to help our customers do their best work. The company provides office supplies, print and document services through OfficeMax Impress(TM), technology products and solutions, and furniture to large, medium and small businesses and consumers. OfficeMax customers are served by approximately 35,000 associates through direct sales, catalogs, e-commerce and more than 900 stores. For more information, visit: www.officemax.com.
