Saipan Computer Services celebrates 30th year

Saipan Computer Services, one of the oldest computer retail and service companies in the CNMI, turned 30 years old last Aug. 8, 2016.

SCS business development director Jerry Tiu and SCS managing director Kazuko Kawabe-Tiu said they were able to reach 30 years on Saipan due to the many customers that have supported the business.

“We owe everything that SCS has become to the customers that have been with us through the good and the bad,” said Tiu.

Tiu shared that SCS began with the same group of individuals that started United Micronesia Development Association.

“The group of individuals who formed UMDA incorporated SCS in 1986. They came up with a distributed computer system that rented out processing capabilities,” said Tiu.

He said in 1988 when the microcomputer came out business was not doing well.

“They readjusted the company to become one that focused on microcomputers and sales,” recalled Tiu.

“In 1994, they approached me and asked if I wanted to take over it as they went on to other ventures. That is how we started,” added Tiu.

Plans for the future

According to Tiu, most companies are planning to survive in 2017. Such is the case for SCS.

“We have been experiencing difficulties since the last two years. It does not seem like it is going to become any better yet, so for now we just have to be prudent. SCS will remain to act on what the market wants and at the same time, SCS won’t overextend because of the challenges we are currently facing,” said Tiu.

When asked about branching out to the other islands of the CNMI or to Guam, Tiu said not at this time. He, however, said on occasion SCS technicians, complete with their equipment, have been sent to Tinian and Rota. Tiu also shared SCS has even received units for repair from Guam.

“The reality is the shipping is also an issue. Even sending people is a challenge, because sometimes they stay longer than they intend to,” said Tiu, referring to looking at shipping units from Tinian, Rota, and Guam rather than opening other branches.

Tiu shares that SCS is looking forward to serving the people of the CNMI as their demands change.

“We will continue to be sensitive to the market—what they want; what they need; what is applicable; and as those run out, we will do our best to make these available to the market… Given that these are feasible,” said Tiu.

He also greeted the community a bountiful 2017.

“I wish you all a happy, healthy, and wealthy year,” he added.