About ...by Graf!
For over 30 years, ...by Graf! has been delivering custom IT solutions for both small businesses and individuals. From building computers to developing Web Sites, we have helped our clients meet all of their IT objectives in a way that exceeds their expectations. But our experience goes back much further than that!
Please read more about our history and our mission below:
Our Story
1981 - 1988: The Early Years
George Silberstern was introduced to Personal Computers (PCs) in 1981 and like many of his peers, saw great potential in them. The most common computers of the day were predominantly big, expensive mainframes, and mainly used by big businesses. George recognized that PCs could significantly benefit small and mid-sized businesses. Back then however, PCs were perceived as the realm of hobyists, amateurs, and nerdy teens, a demographic that business owners were unlikely to take seriously.
By 1982 he acquired his own PC and taught himself as much as he could about both its hardware and programming capabilities. George saw an opportunity. With the arrival of IBM PC Clones in the mid-80s, their significantly lower costs, and greater acceptance. While at University in New Jersey, George established Computer Information Network Consultants (COMINCO). Meeting with local business owners, he taught them and their employees how to make the most of their novel machines. He also advised them on the best kind of computer for their specific enterprise.
When PC Clone hardware became readily availiable, George taught himself how to build computers. By chance, a peer asked him to build a PC for the sole purpose of running an electronic Bulletin Board System (BBS). More requests followed. Soon, COMINCO was building and selling custom PCs to individuals and businesses. Thanks to the BBS build, George also demonstrated how a BBS could benefit a business and established three in rapid succession, including his own. By 1988, COMINCO was primarily offering custom built PCs and data communication solutions to its clients.
1989 - 1999: New Beginnings
To avoid a possible branding conflict, and following a relocation to Pennsylvania in 1989, COMINCO was re-branded as ...by Graf!, a name derived from George's love of Classical music and inspired by one of his colleagues. The company offerings also expanded to include custom software and infrastructure solutions to its customers. The same year saw the launch of North Eastern Technical Reference (NETRef BBS) as a technical support resource.
In 1991, NETRef BBS became a member of the global FidoNet Network. In 1992, ...by Graf! and NETRef BBS were named official technical support providers for a BBS software developer based in Koper, Slovenia. The BBS also served as the support site for all of George's software.
With the advent of the Internet, ...by Graf! expanded its offerings from 1995 to include Internet connectivity solutions. The company also began producing and maintaining a number of Web Sites both directly, and in partnership with local Web Hosting firms.
The rise of the Internet saw the demise of the traditional BBS. NETRef BBS shut down in 1997, but all software support was transfered to our own Web Site. ...by Graf! also narrowed its focus to three areas: Systems Solutions, Networking Solutions, and Web Presence Solutions.
2000 - Today: A New Focus
With the heavy shift towards online presence in the early 2000s, Web Presence services became the company's primary business. However, with the arrival of inexpensive Web Page editing software, this started to ebb. By 2015, most of the company's primary business was providing hardware support and maintenance services.
In 2016, ...by Graf! began providing services related to new, ultra-low cost technologies to clients. At the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the company successfully turned to these systems, helping clients deploy them as a minimal cost, remote work solution. With the explosive rise of Social Media, ...by Graf! also returned to providing Web Presence solutions. This includes a renewed focus on Web Site design given the comparatively narrow creative scope offered by Content Management Systems (CMS).
Our Mission And Services
...by Graf! is a Consulting Company specializing in delivering custom Information Technology (IT) solutions for small businesses and individuals. Our goal is to meet all of our clients' IT objectives while exceeding their expectations. We strive to provide high end solutions with professional results on a small budget.
We offer the following services to our clients:
- Internet Services
- Domain Registration and Hosting.
- Web Site design and maintenance services.
- Social Media Presence maintenance.
- Systems Services
- Build custom desktop computers.
- Repair and upgrade desktop computers.
- Upgrade laptop computers.
- Build low-cost microcomputer systems.
- Network Services
- Design and deploy wired/wireless Local Area Networks.
- Data Center and Network Operation Center Design.
Because ...by Graf! is a Consultancy, certain services are outsourced to our vetted, reliable, and trusted third party partners. All members of our Web Design team are members of the International Web Association and of the HTML Writers Guild.
If you are looking for a service that is not listed above, or if you have any further questions, contact us! We will be more than happy to help you!