Boundary Computer takes on city IT contract, 2015 changes

BONNERS FERRY — When many folks think of Boundary Computer, the first thing that comes to mind is the RadioShack storefront on Main Street across from Pace-Kerby, or perhaps their Walnut street location in Newport, Wash.

What many people don’t know is that the storefront is only the smallest part of what president Michael Listman and his crew do for the residents of Boundary County and the Newport and Oldtown areas.

The bulk of Boundary Computer’s energy is spent maintaining the vital computers and networks that help keep businesses, government entities and people in the area connected to each other and the outside world.

“We help limit downtime,” said Listman. “We maintain networks, help with e-mail, internet and wireless network problems — anything that keeps you from getting your work done.”

Boundary Computer provides IT services to Boundary Community Hospital to maintain telephones, computers and networks, and was hired to maintain the city of Bonners Ferry’s systems at the Oct. 9 city council meeting.

The city council unanimously voted to switch IT services from Boise-based Computer Arts, preferring to go with the local company.

“We debated this switch a year ago,” said Bonners Ferry Mayor Dave Anderson. “There were questions about Boundary Computer’s capabilities, especially where the police department’s system is concerned. We like to spend our money locally, and we have been very happy. There are no problems with (Boundary Computer’s) capability.”

“We spent the last year proving and demonstrating that our technical expertise is as good as companies from Coeur d’Alene or Spokane,” said Listman. “We have four techs here in town to service systems. Other companies have to send people from Spokane.”

Listman said they have already identified upgrades that could save the city money.

“Even government has to be competitive, and smart with their budgets,” Listman said. “IT should be done in the most efficient way. A lot of our clients are small businesses with tight budgets. They can’t write a five figure check for every solution.”

Boundary Computer’s services can be contracted for a fixed rate, which includes a monthly allotment of service call time. Most people have very little knowledge when it comes to computer systems. Trying to support your own technology to save money can be dangerous, Listman said, and can sometimes do more harm than good.

One important issue the company faces is regulation compliance. Both in the healthcare field and with government entities, standards for encryption, security and access are very strict. While the rules governing the safety of hard-copy information are limited, the penalties for electronic violations are far greater, Listman said.

The company also repairs and builds custom computers and provides data backup services.

“Data backup is like buying insurance,” Listman says. “Every hard drive dies. We usually can’t work magic on a dead or dying hard drive.”

Boundary Computer’s experts can also help with home automation.

A customer can run their lights, thermostat, home theater, audio and video and security systems from a smartphone or tablet connected to the web.

The company also installs new data cabling and network interface systems for homes or businesses. Listman and his crews have set up a number of PetSmart and Petco stores and travel to locations in Idaho, Montana and Washington.

The company holds a Low-Voltage Electrician’s license to install communications and network cabling in Washington (that license isn’t required in Idaho or Montana).

Although the company’s employees stay busy, (IT departments are always busy, Listman says) they still have space for new clientele. Listman likes to hire his techs locally, and is willing to train anyone who is enthusiastic and willing to stick with the job.

Recent financial troubles at the RadioShack corporation means Boundary Computer may soon lose the RadioShack moniker above the door, but that doesn’t mean the storefront will disappear.

Listman said they have already started identifying alternative sources for the most popular products and will be able to transition to a stand-alone electronics store easily if the corporation goes bankrupt. There are also plans to move the Bonners Ferry location to the South Hill, in the old Badger Plumbing building over the next few months.

“We will continue to serve the community with or without RadioShack,” Listman said. “Our partnership has been valuable but we are confident that we can continue our success as an independent retailer.”

What is the most popular item sold at the retail location?

“It’s a battery,” said sales associate Owen Plato, “the CR 2032.” Tiny but crucial, this button cell battery can be found inside car remotes, medical devices and other tiny electronics.

Plato said they also sell a lot of memory cards, flash drives and cables in addition to home theater equipment, car audio, security systems and radio controlled and electronic toys.

With their other changes, Boundary Computer may soon have a new name. What that is, though, will remain a closely held secret until a company-wide roll out later this year. For now, you can find their full array of services at www.boundarycomputer.com or by calling 267-1000 for the Bonners Ferry location or (509) 447-3514 in Newport.