Computer techs offer free help
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
By WILLIAM FREEBAIRN
wfreebairn@repub.com

When the Environmental Leadership Program in Haydenville was trying to set up a network for use by off-site employees, it ran into some technical snags.

Fortunately, the non-profit group had been tapped by TechCavalry, a Northampton computer service company, for some free consulting.

"We would have had to spend hundreds of dollars otherwise," said Sean W. Pollock, operations and technology coordinator for the group.

TechCavalry has offered two hours of free on-site computer service for selected non-profit groups. TechCavalry started the program in 2002 and extended it indefinitely last week, company officials said.

"We feel that we could donate $100 to a few non-profits, but this is more valuable," said Jef Sharp, president of TechCavalry.

The company has invited non-profit organizations based in the Pioneer Valley to register on their Web site to become eligible to receive free services. One organization a month is selected randomly to get two hours of free service, to be used any time it wishes.

Sharp said he has been surprised as interest, measured by online registration for the program, dwindled in recent months. It is possible that non-profits failed to realize they needed to sign up repeatedly until selected, he said, or that the company did not publicize the program enough.

TechCavalry provides on-site computer service and repair throughout Western Massachusetts and other parts of the state.

The calls from non-profit groups are similar to those from for-profit companies, Sharp said.

"Anything from network set-ups to printer issues, virus issues. Some (non-profits) have used us for training. We teach them to maintain their computers," he said.

For TechCavalry, the offer of free service has resulted in some free recipients becoming paying customers. In addition, Sharp said, he hopes the move instills community service as an important part of the company's mission as it grows.

"I'd like it to grow as the business grows. I think it sets the culture of a company a little bit," he said.