Sony Style Takes Customer Service to the Next Level by Offering VAIO Owners In-Store Support

Sony Electronics today announced the rollout of Backstage, a VAIO PC support service, to four Sony Style retail stores in New York and New Jersey.

The service has already been introduced at three store locations -- San Diego (Fashion Valley); Scottsdale, Ariz. (Fashion Square); and Atlanta (Lenox Square) -- and will be available in a total of 15 Sony Style stores by the end of the year.

From computer usage advice to hands-on technical support and service, Backstage offers a convenient in-store resource staffed by specifically trained and dedicated service consultants.

"Backstage is a great example of our commitment to providing the highest level of personal service and support," said Scott Strother, a Sony Style vice president. "No matter what your level of knowledge, this service will simplify computer buying and maintenance through one-on-one assistance from VAIO product experts."

The service includes complimentary product consultations and personal tutorials, as well as expert advice to help people find the VAIO PC that best suits their specific needs. Backstage representatives are also able to assist with facilitating both in- and out-of-warranty services, such as troubleshooting hardware, and repairing or replacing components and products. In addition, there is a line of paid services, including:

  -- Data Migration:  Helping consumers migrate up to 100 GB of data from
     their old PCs to their newly purchased VAIO computers;

  -- System Boosts:  Enhancing performance and usability of VAIO PCs by
     performing system upgrades using the latest software options,
     de-fragmenting hard disk drives and running anti-virus scans;

  -- Out-of-Warranty Service Evaluations:  Providing thorough on-site
     service evaluations when out-of-warranty problems arise.  Sony will
     estimate costs and provide necessary repairs at an authorized repair
     facility ranging from very basic, quick fixes to more extensive work
     such as the major repair of an LCD or motherboard; and

  -- Memory Upgrades:  Providing memory upgrades for customers needing
     additional storage capacity.

This week Backstage will be rolling out to Sony Style stores in New York (550 Madison Avenue); Garden City, N.Y. (Roosevelt Field); Paramus, N.J. (Garden State Plaza); and Edison, N.J.( Menlo Park). On July 2 the service will be available in White Plains, N.Y. (Westchester Mall); and Boston (Copley Place). On July 5, 2007, the service will be available in Providence, R.I. (Providence Place). And by the end of the year, five additional stores will roll out the service for a total of 15 stores nationwide.

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SOURCE: Sony Electronics

CONTACT: Marcy Cohen of Sony Electronics, +1-201-930-6884,
marcy.cohen@am.sony.com; Alexia Allina of Paine PR, +1-213-996-3796,
aallina@painepr.com, for Sony Electronics

Web site: http://www.sony.com/news