THE COMPUTER SHRINKS
Company Charter
TCS was formed to allow easy and affordable access to computer services to underserved business and home clients so they can get full value out of their computer investment.
Company History
TCS began under a different name—Network Technology Services Associates—in 2001. In 2004, Indy Pommers joined the original founder, Jim Beaucaire, to accelerate the business, and in the process the Company was renamed as The Computer Shrinks.
The need for broad-based on-site computer repair, upgrade and installation is clear—especially to someone like Indy, who has been in the computer industry for years, and is a competent computer user, but quite useless if things go wrong! In fact, the relationship began when Jim's NTS Associates Company was called to install Indy's business network and upgrade to DSL. With that being a success, Jim was later asked to sweep the systems of viruses and repair some damage, and then to consult regarding an "upgrade old" vs. "buy new" decision, and finally to install a wireless network combining PC's and Mac's. As a result of Jim's demonstrated abilities and attitude, the two decided to partner and expand the business. We know that there are a lot of Indys—and worse—out there, and TCS can service them effectively.
TCS is different in several significant ways. First, Jim and our technical associates are very experienced in a broad range of computer technologies, and understand the business framework of which computers are a part. We're not just fixing or upgrading a machine, but explaining options based an your present and future use of the system, so you make better decisions. Second, we speak English, not Geekspeak, because our objective is to communicate, not to impress you. Third, we maintain low rates and do not charge for travel. This addresses the major problem of our clients, which is that the high rates and inconvenience of the past kept people from using the services, which kept them in a low-computer-performance prison. Specifically, we keep our rates low by using our network of part-time, non-salaried associates; not maintaining a store-front; not being part of any franchise operation that severely raises expenses that are always passed on to the consumer; and not having commission deals and minimum quotas with 3rd party manufacturers that compromise our recommendations. This formula has worked, as witnessed by the Testimonials from our happy Clients.
Key Biographies
Jim Beaucaire—Technical Partner, responsible for both directly delivering and managing the associates who deliver services to our Clients.
Jim has 30 years of Computing Experience. Following a stint with the US Army, Jim began his career as a hands-on IT professional with roles including Computer Operator, Programmer, IT Manager, Computer Operations Manager, and MIS Director. Many of his experiences were in mission-critical environments including Hospitals, major retailers like Eastern Mountain Sports, a communications Company, and a large database marketing organization. His responsibilities have included total hardware and software systems maintenance of IBM PC networks and Mainframes; disaster recovery systems; CAD-CAM and E-CAD; payroll; general ledger; inventory; a major Lotus Notes implementation; real-time field-based order processing systems; enterprise firewalls; network virus protection; data integrity in massive marketing databases; and worldwide computer communications systems. Consequently, Jim has the broad understanding that can solve issues quickly and thoroughly—along with a businessperson's view of the world that recognizes the importance of expense management and the role of computing as a tool towards an end, and not an end in itself. Finally, Jim is the father of several "Wired" teenagers who keep him on the leading edge of music, photo, conferencing systems and the like!
Scott Bradley—Technical Partner, responsible for delivering timely solutions for our clients.
Scott has over 20 years experience in the computing industry. A Northeastern grad (cum laude), with a degree in both Computer Science and Math Scott brings a unique point of view to the table. Previous roles have included Tech Support Specialist, Research Scientist, Programmer, Systems Administrator – past Companies include Nichols Research, Torch Concepts (founding member), RLM Software – skilled with all phases of PC installation, support, repair, including mixed-platform and network environments – strong software background – Mac expertise.
Indy Pommers—Business Partner, responsible for general business and marketing issues.
Indy has a strong entrepreneurial record and over 30 years of experience in the general management of technology-oriented companies. He was educated at the University of Buffalo and the Albany Law School of Union University, and completed a tour of duty with VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). After a number of marketing positions with increasing responsibilities, he became President of MGA Inc. and led a client Company, The MathWorks, Inc., to a world-leader position for its Matlab software. Later, he founded Amber Technologies and served as its CEO, and then was President of Unica Corporation, taking it from infancy to its present #1 ranking among Enterprise Marketing Management companies. Most recently, he was a Partner at MarketMiner Inc., and became interested in Jim Beaucaire's NTS Associates when they serviced his computer network. In early 2004, Indy and Jim joined forces as partners in The Computer Shrinks.
Barbara Cowen—Web Development, Graphic Design and Marketing
Barbara Cowen's background includes over 15 years in Marketing specializing in Web Development, SEO, Email Marketing, Advertising, and Graphic Design as well as six years in the Telecommunications Industry. Her industry marketing experiences are varied including Publishing, Training, the Food Brokerage business and many more. She is proficient in both MAC and PC platforms.
She has a bachelor’s degree in Education from Northeastern University and post-graduate courses in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Web Development and a variety of software programs.
Barbara loves music, acting in amateur theatre, reading, and drawing.
Contact Information
Phone: 978-475-0409
Toll Free: 888-816-8899
From NH: 603-685-3339
E-mail: info@TheComputerShrinks.com
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1242, Andover MA 01810