What is it like to operate in the relatively small Czech market while having to compete with global giants? What strategies are necessary to maintain and expand your presence in this market, and how do you respond to client demands? We explored this topic with Patrik Hužva, the CEO of T.S.BOHEMIA a.s.
You are a Czech company with a thirty-year tradition. Please share the story of your company’s beginnings, as it can serve as an inspiration.
The 90s were a golden era for desktop computers, as laptops imported from the West were very expensive and had complex operating systems, making them inaccessible to the average user. In comparison, PCs presented an attractive alternative. From 1994 to 1998, T.S.BOHEMIA focused mainly on assembling customised computers, known as configurators.
Computer sets were marketed under the name PC1, a designation that has endured to this day. All custom-configured systems still carry this internal label. Starting in 1996, we began producing stock sets – those not custom-built for specific customers – under the brand BARBONE. Thanks to this sets, we have always been able to offer an exceptional warranty on BARBONE computers, currently a 3+3 year warranty (3 years standard warranty and 3 years free service). For 30 years, T.S.BOHEMIA has continuously been building, configuring, designing, and servicing desktop computers. No other current local PC manufacturer in the Czech market can claim such a long-standing history. We uphold the ISO 9001:2009 and 14001:2005 certifications as marks of quality in our production and overall operations, and since 2016, we have also been certified for safety and security.
How have times changed and what is the demand from clients today?
In response to the increasing popularity of notebooks, we introduced our first BARBONE notebook in 2006, continuing its production until 2009 when we ceased assembling notebooks. Since then, the BARBONE brand has exclusively focused on producing computer sets.
In today’s rapidly changing world, laptops have largely supplanted desktop PCs. This shift is primarily due to their compact design, capability to operate on battery power, and the convenience of “all-in-one” solutions, which provide a device with an integrated display, keyboard, and pointing device all in one purchase.
At present, we offer more than 50 different PC sets. About half of these are tailored for office and home use, prioritising low power consumption, affordability, and high computing performance. These models are typically labelled as OFFICE or HOME. The remaining half of our portfolio caters to gaming and workstation needs. The GAME, ELITE, XTREME, and ULTIMATE series are designed for computer gamers seeking the ideal machine for their hobby. Meanwhile, the WORKSTATION or CREATIVE series are intended for students or professionals working with various CAD systems, as well as those involved in creating videos and graphics.
Are you able to accommodate the increasing number of clients who now require both cybersecurity and hygienic protection for their PC setups?
A unique addition to our portfolio is the TITANIUM range. We are the sole company in the Czech Republic and Slovakia to offer a specialised nano spray of titanium oxide, which safeguards surfaces against bacteria, viruses, and mould. This is particularly useful in environments with high PC usage, such as schools, doctor’s offices, and hospitals. Additionally, we can provide accessories like monitors, keyboards, and other devices with this protective coating.
Thank you for the interview.
