Bob's Superstore Computers Destroyed By Fire- Business Records Saved

Furniture World Magazine

At approximately 9:30 a.m., on May 11, fire broke out in Bob's Super Store, the well-known 40,000-square-foot retailer where South Bend, Indiana residents had been buying their furniture, appliances and consumer electronics -- and snacking on complimentary "nearly world famous" popcorn -- since 1972. Within minutes, the entire store and its contents were destroyed. Owner Bob Nawrocki said he had just concluded a sale, but that no one was injured even though the roof collapsed within just 15-20 minutes. "It all happened so fast," he said. "As my wife and I looked around at the rubble that had been our inventory, our fixtures, and our life for the past 26 years, we had no idea where to turn to begin picking up the pieces." Bob said he was particularly concerned about his loyal customers and suppliers. "I quickly realized that my computer system had gone up in flames along with everything else, and had no idea what orders were pending, who had made deposits, or who I owed what." Help, however, was just a phone call away. Because Bob had converted to Tyler's new Internet-based retail automation system just this past winter, all his records were safe and sound, stored off-site in his personal server at Tyler corporate headquarters. "Tyler had new equipment on the way to me immediately, and I was functional within 24 hours," said Bob. Within 36 hours, he had a large tent erected in his parking lot, with tractor trailers of goods from his suppliers, and was back in business. Unlike conventional computer systems, Tyler.Net does not have computers at the end users' site, so the "main system servers" are entirely secure from both natural disasters such as the fire that devastated Bob's business, and computer hackers. So all Bob had to do to retrieve his invaluable records was to connect his new Tyler.Net Access Server (TAS) into the wall outlet and plug in the phone cord. No system to configure, no operating system or application software to install, and no data back-up tape to restore, a process that could have taken days if not a week or more to complete. And Bob was able to concentrate on the most critical aspect of his business, his customers. "Every record, every transaction, every aspect of my business had been preserved," said Bob. "When I switched to Tyler.Net, I never fully realized that I also had obtained a built-in disaster recovery system." He added that his insurance agent was amazed that he had complete immediate access to the records needed to process his claim, and that even that task was proceeding smoothly and in record time. He said that although it will take a while for life to fully return to normal, business has been amazingly good. "The South Bend community has responded in its typical supportive fashion," said Bob, "and we are now well on the way back. With their support, and Tyler.Net as a business partner, I'm confident that the best days for Bob's are still ahead." For more information contact Scott Tyler at Tyler Business Systems e-mail: styler@tylernet.com