Hardware and Software Suppliers

African Regional Centre for Computing

This is a non-profit organization whose main purport is to promote the use and development of computing and communications technologies in Africa. One of the things they do is solicit new and refurbished equipment to re-donate to deserving public and other non-profit institutions - eg. schools, hospitals, etc. Our focus to date has been on Kenya and environs.
Contact Shem Ochuodho, PhD
Ngong Road, Opp. Ngong Hills Hotel
P.O. Box 58638, NAIROBI, Kenya
Tel: (254-2-) 723552/726914/727810 Fax: 728351
Last updated 4/24/96 by Alex Janosek

 

Assist International INC.

This company, a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization (Federal Identification Number 54-1692672), is seeking donations of 386 and 286 computers and peripherals for use in Lithuanian university and research libraries. These libraries, which always have been the prime sources of information for professionals as well as faculty and students, are now automating and developing a national information network. Their progress, however, is impeded by the lack of computers, which they cannot afford to buy.
Contact Dr. Lee G. Burchinal
Tel 703 525 9045
Fax 703 351 0782
ASSIST INTERNATIONAL INC.
4141 N. Henderson Road, #1216
Arlington, VA 22203
Last updated 4/24/96 by Alex Janosek

 

Boston Computer Exchange

BCE specializes in providing new and used computer equipment to development projects around the world. BCE is one of the largest distributors of new, factory refurbished and used computer technology in the U.S. This mix of products (new and refurbished) enables BCE to provide appropriate technology for each need.
They provide equipment such as IBM, Compaq, Apple and Toshiba, at a price significantly less expensive than PCs purchased locally. They can take care of all logistical issues associated with placing computers in developing countries (shipping, customs, etc.)
Contact Jack Bardy
Boston Computer Exchange
voice: USA 617 542-4414 ext. 122
fax: 617 542-8849
Last updated 4/24/96 by Alex Janosek

 

CGNET Services International

This organization was established in 1983 to create and manage an e-mail system for six international agricultural research institutes coordinated by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (Washington, D.C.). CGNET's headquarters office (Menlo Park, California) now links the 17 CGIAR institutes so they can communicate and undertake joint research. Beyond e-mail, it now offers fax, telex, and Internet connectivity. The FAO and other international organizations use CGNET to network their sites.
Contact CGNET
Services International Headquarters
1024 Hamilton Court, Menlo Park, California 94025.
Tel. +1 (415) 833-6000, fax +1 (415) 325-2313, Telex 490 000 5788
Last updated 4/24/96 by Alex Janosek

 

Computer Reclamation

This organization is similar to East West Education Development Foundation. It also runs workshops at local schools where computers needing repairs get fixed. They charge only a $25 fee per unit, so they appear to be the bargain-basement provider.
Contact Silver Spring, MD/US (301)495-0280
Last updated 4/24/96 by Alex Janosek

 

DSR Inc.

This is a company that provides African-based agencies and individuals with computer equipment at a reasonable price with good service. DSR specializes in supplying computer hardware and software to Africa and has done so for about ten years. They are a small business with about 15 staff, selling about $7 million a year - maybe half sent into Africa. They specialize in Toshiba portables and Gateway 2000 desktops. They are the second largest repair shop for Toshiba in the USA: they are in an excellent position to keep machines running at a distance. They stock lots of 220v only equipment and a variety of plug ends, and basically are knowledgeable about what it takes to get the best and least expensive computer equipment into Africa.
Contact Steve Smith
Last updated 4/24/96 by Alex Janosek

East West Education Development Foundation

This organization mainly handles transfer of equipment from donors to recipients *designated by the donors*. Therefore, the recipients have to first line up donors willing to donate at least $250 for a machine with a 286 processor (at least $400 for a 386-class system).
Contact Boston, MA/US (617)261-6699
Last updated 4/24/96 by Alex Janosek

 

Gifts In Kind America

This organization redistributes everything from food and clothes to computers and software. Their programs covering computers and software are "Productivity" and "Recycle Technology". Recipient groups pay a fee ($125 to $250 depending on their annual budgets) to join as members and receive monthly newsletters and other materials listing what's available. They only work with US and Canadian (tax-domiciled) organizations.
Contact Alexandria, VA/US. (703)836-2121 or ProductDonations@GiftsInKind.org
Last updated 4/24/96 by Alex Janosek

 

International Business Commodities

This organization holds a contract with IBM to administer its trade-in program globally. They help reduce the sales tax that a buyer of new equipment gets to pay by deducting the value of IBM and non-IBM equipment traded in. They take machines equipped with all kinds of processors (even 8088s!) but they will only pay for 386-or better equipment. This suggests they might be open to passing along older equipment at no cost. (There are adaptor boards for 286s that let you upgrade them to 386 or 486, so you're not stuck forever with "decrepit" technology).
Contact Dedham, MA/US. (617)320-0123
Last updated 4/24/96 by Alex Janosek

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These pages were originally created by Dirk Staatsen and last updated July 19, 2002. Pages are ã Cliff Missen 1994-1999. Please send feedback and updates to intlinet@uiowa.edu