Startup Of The Week: Reimage

Reimage repairs Windows XP PCs remotely over a corporate network or the Web. It specializes in operating system problems and PCs that won't reboot. Reimage uses an ActiveX agent to diagnose problems with registry keys, files, drivers, and other OS components. The repair doesn't affect user data or applications on the machine. --Andrew Conry-Murray REIMAGE

HEADQUARTERS: Ramat Gan, Israel

PRODUCT: Reimage automated PC repair

PRINCIPALS: Zak Dechovich, CEO; Lion Burger, VP of research and development; Amit Daliot, product VP

INVESTORS: Crossbar Capital, First Round Capital, Decima Ventures

FUNDING: Not disclosed

EARLY CUSTOMERS: Computer Troubleshooters, SupportSpace

WHAT'S DIFFERENT?

In a typical IT support environment, help desk technicians either physically touch broken PCs or connect via remote access. In either case, a person repairs the machine. Reimage automates PC repairs via an ActiveX agent, saving both time and money for the organization. The agent can be pushed over the network or downloaded by end users from the Web. CONTROL KNOBS Reimage's ActiveX agent automatically diagnoses problems with Windows XP. It removes faulty system files and objects such as registry keys and drivers. Faulty objects are replaced from a Web repository of about 8 million components. The agent doesn't wipe and reinstall the OS or applications. The product also can disable malware and ensure that it doesn't start up again at reboot, but users or admins have to run their own antivirus software to remove the malware. The company says it leaves user data untouched. OUR TAKE There's real value in an automated fix that a help desk team could deploy over the Web, particularly for branch offices and road warriors. However, potential customers must carefully evaluate the product to ensure that it won't affect business applications or custom settings on corporate machines. Reimage first targeted consumer-oriented PC repair; as it expands to the IT business market, the company must develop stronger enterprise features, such as IT-focused reporting and integration with trouble ticketing. THE FOUNDERS Founder Dechovich also co-founded SecureOL. He created the Cyber-Crime/Terror unit while serving in the Israeli Defense Forces. VP Daliot is the former director of marketing for SanDisk. TIMELINE