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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Computech Joins Network Local Internet Service Provider Becomes Part Of New ‘Backbone’ For Data Transmission

CompuTech, the oldest and one of the largest providers of Internet service in Spokane, has become part of a national network launched Wednesday by Denver-based Verio Inc.

Verio also made a substantial equity investment in CompuTech, said Jeff Presley, president of the Spokane company.

“Our intention is to take it and grow the business,” he said.

Presley said the company will move the bulk of its operations into new offices in 3,900 square feet of the U.S. Bank Building by the end of the month.

Installation of the equipment that will enhance CompuTech’s Internet capabilities will take somewhat longer, he said. “It’s still evolutionary.”

CompuTech employs 13 and serves several of Spokane’s major companies, including Washington Water Power Co., Itron Inc. and The Spokesman-Review.

Verio was founded last year by people with service with other Internet providers, Presley said. With $80 million in private financing, the company has built the nation’s 10th “backbone” for high-speed data transmission.

So far, 17 service providers have joined the network, Presley said. Most are on the West Coast, or in Texas, Washington, D.C., or the Northeast.

Besides state-of-the-art technology, Presley said, affiliation with Verio gives CompuTech greater financial resources and marketing expertise.

In return, Verio builds its network using local companies and management with intimate knowledge of their market, Presley said.

Verio Chief Executive Officer Justin Jaschke said the company will target small and midsized businesses. He said local companies like CompuTech can more efficiently deliver customized services than some of the telecommunications giants.

, DataTimes