ISLANDIA, N.Y., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CA, Inc. today announced the launch of its Onsite PC Protection Program, a unique partner initiative that creates a network of on-site PC service providers for consumers and small- and medium-sized businesses. Unlike other PC security channel programs, Onsite provides "trusted advisors" with customized e-commerce platforms for transactions, payment histories and report- generation.

In addition to e-commerce features, these "command centers" allow business owners and their on-site technicians to download CA software at the customer's home or place of business -- eliminating the need to make up-front investments in product or maintain inventory. The platform also provides technicians with tools to diagnose and address PC malware issues on-site and in real time. Prospective Onsite members can join the program online at http://ca.com/onsite.

"We expect this new, innovative program will help CA's trusted advisors build leaner, more efficient business models and boost the value of customer visits by 50 percent," said George Kafkarkou, senior vice president of worldwide commercial sales and strategy for CA. "We believe in the mission, value and entrepreneurial spirit of these on-site computer services, which is why CA is offering such a strong package of tools and rewards."

CA has established an on-site network of more than 300 business owners with more than 1,000 individual technicians, which has helped the company establish a direct pipeline to consumers and SMBs and significantly diversify CA's existing channel.

New members receive welcome kits with free software ($1,500 value) for business owners and each of their technicians. Other benefits of the program include 24 x 7 product technical support; discounts on CA consumer and SMB solutions for business owners; a line of credit for business owners of PC on- site service companies; cash incentives for technicians distributed on personalized CA Visa cards; and rebates to end users for switching security software providers.

"Our business is about providing computer solutions on-site," said Richard Cole, CEO of Geeks On Call. "On-site is the future of the computer service industry. As a coveted Microsoft Gold Partner, we bring the highest level of technological competence and customer service to the job. CA's new Onsite PC Protection Program and command center creates business flow and opportunity for us to do what we do best -- improve the overall computer experience of the client and delete downtime."

"CA's Onsite PC Protection Program helps our franchisees take care of our customers when they need it most, which is always right away," said Chip Reaves, CEO of Computer Troubleshooters. "Thanks to the program, we can reduce our inventory and offer discounts and rebates to customers that give us a competitive edge."

There is no annual membership fee to join the Onsite program, which is currently available to partners in the United States. Advisors pay a one-time $100 application fee, which includes a welcome kit with free software and a Visa debit card for cash incentives. Members can join at Gold and Platinum levels, depending on company size.

An online video for prospective members is available at http://ca.com/onsite.

About CA Home & Home Office

CA Home and Home Office products are offered by leading Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and are used by more than 12 million consumers. The products are based on CA's enterprise-grade solutions and include a full range of security and utility software solutions. For more information, please visit http://ca.com/consumer.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20021111/CALOGO ) About CA

CA , one of the world's largest information technology (IT) management software companies, unifies and simplifies the management of enterprise-wide IT. Founded in 1976, CA is headquartered in Islandia, N.Y., and serves customers in more than 140 countries. For more information, please visit http://ca.com/.

All Rights Reserved. One CA Plaza, Islandia, N.Y. 11749. All trademarks, trade names, service marks and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies.

CONTACT: Jessica Cassady, +1-202-513-6306, jessica.cassady@ca.com

Web site: http://ca.com/onsite
http://ca.com/consumer
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