The Tribune

Micronet, the New Providence-based technology provider, has marked its 30th anniversary this month with the unveiling of its new 11,500-plus square foot store and service facility.

The company opened three decades ago in 1983 with two full-time employees in a small space in the Out Island Traders Building off Mackey Street. Back then, storage capacity was measured in kilobytes (KB), a computer with 160KB was cutting edge, and word processing was done on typewriters.

Now, Micronet occupies two buildings, boasts nearly three dozen staff and its multi-level retail store matches top-of-the-line rivals from any other country.

“We all take for granted the wonderful technology we enjoy today, like the Apple iPad or the HP Ultrabook, technology that was unheard of 30 years ago,” said Stephen Cartwright, co-founder and current chief executive of Micronet.

“But that technology changes so fast that unlike in many businesses, where you have the luxury of reviewing new products every season, in our business you can go to sleep at night and, when you wake in the morning, there’s something new on the market that makes yesterday’s hottest device feel as outdated as the rotary dial phone.

“You either keep up or you get left behind, and at the same time you also have to remain focused on consistent customer service.”

Mr Cartwright says dual dedication – superior products and customer service – is supported daily by an industry-certified, all-Bahamian staff of 35.

“We are very proud of our new facilities but, more importantly, we are extremely proud of our dedicated staff, including our 15 certified technicians,” said Gregory Pinder, Micronet’s general manager.

Micronet has become the only authorised Apple service provider in the Bahamas. It is also among the regional leaders in technology sales and service for Toshiba, HP, Apple, Lenovo and Microsoft.

Micronet’s history mirrors the growth of technology. When the company outgrew the Mackey Street space, it bought a one-storey building at No.11 Madeira Street, Palmdale, planning ahead for making use of all of the available 2,500 square feet. It quickly outgrew that space, added another floor, outgrew that and built a 9,000 square foot, multi-level building on adjacent property.

“Creating a true technology superstore has been our goal, and we are excited about this major expansion that allows us to serve clients in a way that we have always envisioned,” said marketing manager, Adriano Baldacci.

“As for the store itself, we wanted it to reflect modern style that blends futuristic with professional in design, but would facilitate personal interaction and comfort.

“Successful Apple stores have a lively, upbeat feeling with a clean look, and that’s what we were after right here in Palmdale in the heart of Nassau. We wanted people to feel comfortable trying before they decided to buy. Our full line of laptops, IPads, Mac books and desktops are out on display for customers to come in and test out.”

This expansion is “powerful for businesses”, Mr Baldacci said.

“We have expanded our product lines to include security cameras, POS systems, etc. We can do everything from running wires to getting your computer ready for use, and training staff to use what you have,” he said.

“We specialise in corporate services, including consulting, designing and implementing networks, servers, maintenance and support. We’re a one-stop shop for technology for everyone from the individual to the country’s largest company or instituion.”