By Aliza Zaidi

Town Crier Editorial Intern

Student-run group helps out poorly funded schools

Mountain View-based Titan Computer Services (TCS), like many other companies, offers technical support. What makes it so unique is that the company is run by college and high school students who combine technical skills with a desire to help poorly funded schools.

What started as the vision of a high school teacher has bloomed into a startup company carving a niche for itself. Titan Chairman Jim Thrall met his team in the Computer Repair and Maintenance class of Gunn High School, Palo Alto. His idea of providing repair services for small and home-based businesses generated interest. TCS began operations in June 2001.

“The main strength of our business is high quality service, doing it right the first time so that there are no problems down the line,” said Kristian Klibo, senior technician.

Titan employees also want to contribute to the community. Five percent of the revenue from built-to-order computers, computer refurbishing and recycling will be donated to local school PTAs. The fund is particularly intended for technology education.

TCS accepts donated computers, monitors and printers to refurbish and update for local PTAs. Donation hours are Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. In both programs, the purchaser or donor may choose the school.

Frank Wu, director of operations, said TCS plans to refurbish more than 50 computers over the summer.

“Here in Palo Alto, world-famous companies have been founded in humble garages,” Thrall said, “and we wanted to follow their philanthropic legacy, albeit in a small way.”

Although Silicon Valley has met an economic crunch business has grown at TCS.

TCS currently serves a dozen clients including Los Altos-based Transpac Mortgage Group.

“We are especially pleased to have used the students of Gunn High School,” said Bob Cranmer-Brown, managing partner, Transpac Mortgage Group,

Cranmer-Brown found TCS to be better service providers than some of the “adult computer consultants.”

Work for every client begins with a comprehensive assessment of the computer system, software and networking. This leads to an action plan and implementation.

For most students, maintaining good grades at school is never an easy task. For students running a company, this can be especially difficult. However, Klibo said this really did not seem to be an issue. He was quick to note that studies came first. He said balancing work and studies has taught him time management.

For more information, call Titan Computer Services at 424-8244.