In this interview with ComputerTalk's Will Lockwood, DAA VP for business development Abrar Kazmi talks about the company's new OnClickTech Support offering, which offers remote PC support. This is a joint venture with Team 9 Global Serivces, and is something a little different for DAA. Kazmi explains the service's origins and what DAA users can expect.

CT: This new remote PC diagnostics and repair service is something a little different for DAA. Tell us about how you developed the idea.

Kazmi: It is true that today our core business is pharmacy management systems. However in 1975, DAA was established as a consulting company providing computer system design and analysis to a number of clients in the private as well as in the public sector, within the U.S. and overseas. With this kind of a track record, the introduction of a new service is only natural.

CT: This service sounds like it developed out of some very current trends, such as the globalized work force and the global technology infrastructure. How did you decide now was the time for it?

Kazmi: Yes, the current global trends as well as today's technology have played a vital role in our decision to introduce this service now. More importantly, we have always taken pride in being a leader in the industry. We were among the first in the industry to come up with fully Windows-based pharmacy management software and sure enough, we are taking the lead yet again in offering this valuable service to the industry. I recall a famous Chrysler advertisement in which their then chairman Lee Iacoca said, "In this industry, you lead, follow or get out of the way." What was true for the auto industry then is probably truer for the computer industry, today.

CT: Is this only for DAA customers and what operating systems are covered?

Kazmi: For our pharmacy system customers, we view this as a vertical integration. So we certainly hope that our current customers will take advantage of this new offering, which will improve the already high level of support we provide. However, this service is intended for all individual PC users, including home offices, and any small business. Presently, this service is being offered for all Windows operating systems. Shortly, we'll be offering this service for Macintosh as well.

CT: What about security? How is this addressed, particularly for our readers, who are going to be concerned about their customers' personal health information (PHI)?

Kazmi: Security is extremely important to us especially when it comes to PHI. Our remote desktop software employs end-to-end 256 bit SSL encryption - the same security levels used and trusted by major banking institutions to protect your financial data. A key part of our security model is that we require the presence of a person at both the share and access computers in order to conduct a screen-sharing session. A share computer, which is the customer's computer, cannot be controlled with our remote software unless the share computer accepts the connection. Also, we have developed a state-of-art screen capture recording system, which will record our technician's activity on the customer's computer and store the file on our server for up to 48 hours. This can be made available to the customer upon request. Even with all these safeguards, we recognize the importance of data security and feel that launching this service in the industry where we have been known for a number of years will help us earn people's trust and business.

CT: And this service is ready to go for the Windows operating systems, right? How should interested readers get more information?

Kazmi: Yes, it is available now for Windows users. Interested readers can obtain detailed information about our services and products from our Web site www.onclicktechsupport.com or by calling us toll free at 1-800-820-3704.