IBM Sets New Industry Standard With Upgraded Thinkpad Repair Service; Improvements in Design, Packaging and Process Allow for 12-Hour Depot Service.SOMERS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 1998--IBM today raised the industry standard for mobile computing Using a computing device while in transit. Mobile computing implies wireless transmission, but wireless transmission does not necessarily imply mobile computing. Fixed wireless applications use satellites, radio systems and lasers to transmit between permanent objects such as buildings repair with the launch of a 12-hour depot repair service for all in-warranty ThinkPad models 600 and 770. With this service, machines that arrive at an IBM (International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY, www.ibm.com) The world's largest computer company. IBM's product lines include the S/390 mainframes (zSeries), AS/400 midrange business systems (iSeries), RS/6000 workstations and servers (pSeries), Intel-based servers (xSeries) repair center in the morning will be serviced and shipped the same day, shortening the standard repair cycle time for most customers from five days to two days. Effective October 1, 1998, this improved turnaround time (1) In batch processing, the time it takes to receive finished reports after submission of documents or files for processing. In an online environment, turnaround time is the same as response time. for repairs will be available for all IBM ThinkPad 600 and 770 models under warranty and will be available as an offering for all other IBM ThinkPads. "This new offering from IBM sets a high-water mark high-water mark n. 1. Abbr. HWM A mark indicating the highest level reached by a body of water. 2. The highest point, as of achievement; the apex. in the mobile repair industry," said Richard Dean Richard Dean (1956 - December 27 2006) was an athlete, model and photographer, most known for co-hosting, Cover Shot, a television makeover show, on the American cable TV network TLC. , Research Analyst, Client-Server Support and Operational Services, International Data Corporation. "A lot of companies talk a good game when it comes to making promises, but IBM is truly delivering value to its customers, including fast turnaround at perhaps the industry's lowest cost." Innovative Packaging IBM has established strong relationships with national shipping carriers to ensure that ThinkPad customers benefit from the latest innovations in packaging and delivery service. To further expedite the service cycle for the customer, IBM has arranged with Federal Express for shipping boxes specifically designed to accommodate notebook computers A laptop computer that weighs in a range from five to seven pounds. The term originated when laptops were routinely more than 10 pounds, and those that became lighter were placed in a special "notebook" category. In practice, notebook computer and laptop computer are synonymous. to be made available on Federal Express overnight delivery trucks. This program removes the burden of proper packaging from the customer and allows ThinkPads to be shipped the same day in a consistent, shock-resistant package. Modular Design/Streamlined Assembly Integral to IBM's fast service is ThinkPad's modular design In the context of systems engineering, modular design — or "modularity in design" — is an approach aiming to subdivide a system into smaller parts (modules) that can be independently created and then used in different systems to drive multiple functionalities. , which simplifies the repair process and allows modular components to be shipped and easily removed and replaced by the customer. This modular design has allowed IBM to reduce overall repair time by 35 percent, including improved diagnostics and simplified removal/replacement of key components. For example, IBM tests show that technicians repairing a ThinkPad 600 can gain total service access in only 5 minutes as compared to 20 minutes on comparable Dell and Compaq machines. Other steps IBM has taken to facilitate quick repairs include: -- Reducing screw types used in the ThinkPad chassis from 15 to 8 on current models. -- Designing sturdy "board to board" connectors that snap in place and are less likely to disengage dis·en·gage v. dis·en·gaged, dis·en·gag·ing, dis·en·gag·es v.tr. 1. To release from something that holds fast, connects, or entangles. See Synonyms at extricate. 2. as the technician diagnoses problems and conducts repairs from the keyboard panel. -- Simplifying disassembly dis·as·sem·ble v. dis·as·sem·bled, dis·as·sem·bling, dis·as·sem·bles v.tr. To take apart: disassemble a toaster. v.intr. 1. tools down to a standard Phillips screw driver and a small plastic probe on a ThinkPad. Many competing mobile machines require three types of screw drivers and "T" driver bits to get inside. "Fast service response time is perhaps the single most critical requirement of the mobile computer user," said Adalio Sanchez, General Manager, IBM Mobile Computing. "This enhancement provides the industry's most responsive and reliable mobile repair service, and is a testament to IBM's intense focus on simplifying the entire process so that customers get the most out of their ThinkPad products." Pricing and Availability This 12-hour depot repair service will be available for all in-warranty ThinkPad models 600 and 700, and also for all ThinkPads whose owners have previously purchased IBM Warranty Service Upgrades or IBM Annual Maintenance Agreements. Also, ThinkPad customers not otherwise entitled to this enhanced service Enhanced service is service offered over commercial carrier transmission facilities used in interstate communications, that employs computer processing applications that act on the format, content, code, protocol, or similar aspects of the subscriber's transmitted information; will have an opportunity to purchase it as a service option. In addition to IBM's stellar service and support, available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, IBM has recently announced two initiatives that will provide an even higher level of comprehensive, personalized per·son·al·ize tr.v. per·son·al·ized, per·son·al·iz·ing, per·son·al·iz·es 1. To take (a general remark or characterization) in a personal manner. 2. To attribute human or personal qualities to; personify. service and support for ThinkPad notebook PCs. The first is a "relationship-based" approach to service and support in which teams of specially trained IBM HelpCenter technicians will support specific ThinkPad customers, from small business to the enterprise level. The second is ThinkPad's adoption of IBM's new Knowledge Base application that provides users with Web-based access to the same information used by IBM PC A PC made by IBM. IBM created the PC industry in 1981 when it introduced its first model with 16KB of RAM. However, it was way off in its estimates, projecting that 250,000 units would be sold in the first five years. In fact, about three million IBM PCs were sold in that period. HelpCenter specialists. For further service and support information, visit www.ibm.com/pc/us/thinkpad. For more information on all IBM ThinkPads visit http://www.pc.ibm.com/thinkpad. All other IBM news releases are available via the IBM Personal Systems Group home page at http://www.pc.ibm.com/us or dial 1-800-IBM-4FAX. For general information, dial the IBM HelpCenter at 1-800-772-2227, or to purchase a ThinkPad via the Internet, please visit http://www6.pc.ibm.com/te_html/brands/thinkpad.html. |
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