HiWired Delivers OfficeMax Customers Remote Technology Support 24/7
NEEDHAM, Mass, April 25, 2007 — HiWired, Inc. (www.hiwired.com), a provider of immediate, remotely-delivered services and support for PCs and connected devices, today announced a strategic relationship with OfficeMax® (NYSE: OMX). HiWired will power OfficeMax’s ctrlcenter™, a new remote access technology support service that enables customers to remotely connect with US-based technical advisors to conduct technology services and solutions via a secure broadband Internet connection. ctrlcenter services are available nationwide at OfficeMax stores, by calling 1.877.MAX.CTRL (877.629.2875), or by purchasing online at www.ctrl-center.com.
“OfficeMax’s ctrlcenter offers consumers and businesses a different channel for their technology services,” said Singu Srinivas, co-founder and president of HiWired. “Since 90 percent of tech problems can be solved immediately with our remote platform, we are greatly increasing the value to the customer and reducing the wait time. Customer experience with this model, as piloted with OfficeMax since summer 2006, has been nothing short of fantastic.”
OfficeMax’s ctrlcenter is the first remote-led technology support option from a major retailer. Customers are connected with US-based technical advisors who conduct service repairs over the customers’ broadband internet connection – when it is most convenient for them, 24/7. ctrlcenter provides immediate support for technology problems at a cost far less than most onsite options. With ctrlcenter, there is an onsite option if the customer prefers or for problems that can’t be solved remotely.
“OfficeMax is very customer-centric and we take great care to ensure that new products and services will outperform our customer’s current options,” said Ryan Vero, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Chief Merchandising Officer for OfficeMax. “HiWired is recognized as a leader in remote access technology service and will allow OfficeMax to deliver a fast and affordable alternative to the current on-site tech support model.”
OfficeMax’s ctrlcenter will also offer a PC Check-Up service ‘Enabled by HiWired Smart Technology’. HiWired’s proprietary PC Check-Up service allows customers to connect directly to a ctrlcenter Advisor with ‘one-click’ to answer questions or initiate support. PC Check-Up also provides ctrlcenter customers with their PC Health status and proactive, customized recommendations based on a customer’s vulnerability to have a serious PC security or performance problem. PC Check-Up service is free to ctrlcenter customers and can be installed from the ctrlcenter website at www.ctrl-center.com.
About HiWired
Founded in 2004 by IBM services veterans Singu Srinivas and Michael Wexler, HiWired provides consumers and small businesses with immediate, expert support for the PC and any technology that integrates with the PC including wireless networks, iPods, digital cameras, and smartphones.
Through its remote technology management services HiWired makes it simple for consumers and small businesses to utilize, enjoy and integrate their technology. HiWired offers incident-based and ongoing remote technical support for customers struggling with technology tasks ranging from setup of new computers and digital devices to problem solving with more complicated technology and networking configurations. For more information visit www.HiWired.com.
About OfficeMax® Incorporated
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™, 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.
HiWired Media Contacts:
Cheryl Delgreco
Media Strategies
617.723.4004
cdelgreco@msipr.com
OfficeMax Media Contacts:
William Bonner
630.864.6066
williambonner@officemax.com
Jennifer Rook
630.864.6057
jenniferrook@officemax.com