Business name: On Line Support Inc.
Owners: Eric Olmsted and Mickey Kramer.
Address: 5500 N.E. 109th Court, Suite E.
What the business does: On Line Support provides technology consulting, network system installation and support, custom computers, Internet and telecom systems for small and medium-size businesses in Oregon and Washington. The company has partnerships with Microsoft, Cisco, Intel and Allworx and is a certified Microsoft small-business specialist.
How has the economy affected your business: Eric Olmsted said On Line Support has continued to grow throughout the recession, but like a lot of businesses, they have had to work twice as hard to keep ahead of things.
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He is getting twice as many requests for proposals to upgrade systems, but some businesses are finding it more difficult to secure the funds for those projects. Those with the available capital continue to make upgrades, while others may be interested in maximizing the life of the systems they have in place until they have the funds to upgrade.
Olmsted also said more business owners are researching ways to reduce their technology costs.
Greatest challenge: On Line Support is ready to hire another technician, but finding a person with all the qualifications needed has been a challenge. Olmsted said his technicians need both advanced technical ability and the ability to communicate effectively and to understand the importance of providing high-level service.
What’s ahead: The rise in mobile connectivity through phones and tablet PCs at a time when business owners want to access information at any given moment. Olmsted is helping his customers set up their systems to be able to work remotely through these devices. He said this is a trend that will continue to gain momentum.
Year established in Clark County: 1998.
Employees: Nine employees.
Telephone: 360-993-0600.
Recognition: On Line Support was selected as a finalist in the Vancouver Business Growth Awards in 2009 and 2011. The company purchases 100 percent of its energy from green resources and offers secure and environmentally friendly hardware recycling to its customers.
Email: sales@on-line-support.com.
Website: http://www.on-line-support.com.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; on-call 24/7.
