COMPANY PROFILE

Serving Western Canada Since 1986

Our Services

Patch Computers is a Total Solutions Provider with many authorizations and manufacturer direct associations which allow us to service our clients needs better than our competition.

Click here for a sampling of our Services and Authorizations.

The Origins of Success

Like many other success stories in the computer industry, PATCH COMPUTERS LTD. was literally started in the basements of its founders Gok N. Chang and Ken Y. T. Jung in 1983. When IBM came out with the first PC in the early 1980’s, many “clones” soon appeared. For the most part they were cheaply made with parts that did not fit well and were often incompatible. Recognizing a need for a better-built IBM compatible personal computer than was available, Mr. Chang and Mr. Jung sourced high quality components and started assembling IBM XT compatible computers for friends and associates.

Early SUPRA Personal Computers first got their name from the model name of the motherboards that were used. Since the word SUPRA literally meant "super", "greater than", "above", and "the top", the brand name came to be synonymous with their high quality computers. The excellent reputation of their products quickly spread and in 1984 a third partner, Michael Ginn, joined in to help keep up with the growing demand. Imports and production grew and soon even small retail dealers were buying the SUPRA PCs for resale.

From the Cabbage Patch

By 1986, volume and demand had grown so large that a decision had to be made. Both Mr. Jung and Mr. Chang quit their jobs to go full time into the business. Since the demand for SUPRA computers had grown literally overnight, the running joke was that the computers were being grown right out of the cabbage patch on Mr. Chang's farm - thus the PATCH name stuck. The company Patch Computers Ltd. was incorporated and a fourth partner, Angela Ling, was brought onboard. A small warehouse and office in Richmond, BC was rented and a technician hired. Sales flourished as the company concentrated on importing and contract assembly work for other computer distributors. Sales in that first year were over a million dollars, no small feat for a tiny startup company with no advertising or promotion other than word of mouth.

Patch Computers Ltd. (Patch) stayed with their strategy of quality over price and sales grew as more retail dealers tired of buying from importers that came and went or did not support their products. Patch outgrew their location and moved to a 6000 square foot warehouse in early 1987. In November of 1987 Patch expanded to Edmonton and in May 1988 another warehouse and office was added in Calgary. Sales doubled every year and by 1990 had reached over 12 million dollars.

In the 1990’s as computer use multiplied, Patch continued to grow. With price dominating the retail segment of the market, Patch decided to concentrate on developing relationships with software developers and other VAR’s to supply quality custom-built units that could stand up to rugged commercial and industrial use.

This proved to be a winning move as many of the manufacturers that sold strictly on price dropped by the wayside as margins declined. In 1997, to serve a growing industrial base in northern Alberta, an office and warehouse was added in Grande Prairie.

Our Product Line

Patch still proudly assembles, markets and supports it’s own house brand of computer systems called SUPRA Personal Computers. Many of our our large corporate clients use only SUPRA Personal Computers Systems instead of the large name brand or mail-order houses. For even larger installations we still offer HP/Compaq solutions for maximum uniformity in drive images and corporate infrastructures.

As well as SUPRA Personal Computer Systems, Patch offers a wide variety of other fine computer hardware and software products. Visit our Product Line page to a list of some of the top brand manufacturers we represent.

Relationship Building

The true measure of Patch's success has been the relationships that have grown with it's long term clients. As can be seen from our client's Letters of Recommendation, the list of satisfied clients continues to grow and the "word of mouth" is still Patch's primary advertising vehicle.

Patch has always realized that costs are always a concern for it's customers. The true value of computer hardware is in the long term service and support of the reseller. Over the years, many resellers have come and gone (along with their warranties!) and Patch has remained steadfast in it's integrity and business principles. Earning the trust and respect of our clients remains paramount in Patch's day to day operations.

Looking Towards the Future

Today, Patch has over 35 employees in four locations with stocking warehouses in Western Canada. From the beginning, we have been actively involved with the government and education sectors, specializing in hardware, network solutions and specialty software. We have also seen a significant rise in our corporate client business - especially in computer and network service & support.

Pricing and competition in the computer market has become very intense. We recognize that there are many choices for our customers and somehow we must stand out. We decided that we would stand out by offering better quality equipment and better service at a fair price.

With mass marketing firms, corner retail stores and electronics discount stores providing products at such seemingly low prices, we realize it is difficult for our business owner clients to find a good deal without getting burned! The catch is that most of the equipment sold in these stores is purchased to move at very low cost and comes with little or no warranty. The systems are already configured at the low end of the spectrum or may even use second hand parts. There's more to computer equipment than just low price.

The simple truth is that good computer hardware still requires proper installation, setup and configuration in order to work properly and efficiently for the discerning buyer. Those are the customers that we cater to.

Customers also want to know that they are going to receive after-sales service, including repair services, product research performed especially for their needs – all with a company they can trust to do this work competently and at a fair price.

It’s not about doing it the cheapest. It’s about doing it well.

Call us today. We are looking forward to serving you!