In 1983, Winnipeg, Manitoba, stood on the cusp of a technological transformation. The personal computer revolution was gaining momentum, and Tony Batista, an electronics enthusiast with an entrepreneurial vision, seized the opportunity to launch Computers Plus on Portage Avenue. At a time when personal computers were novel and complex, Computers Plus made technology accessible to Winnipeg’s residents, offering desktop systems, dot-matrix printers, and software like Lotus 1-2-3 to home users and small businesses.

Tony’s mission was to make computing approachable, reliable, and supported by exceptional service. Computers Plus quickly became a community hub, where Tony and his small team demystified technology through hands-on setup and troubleshooting. By 1985, the growing need for repairs led to the creation of Computer Clinic, a dedicated service division housed in a workshop adjacent to the retail store. Computer Clinic addressed hardware failures, memory upgrades, and software issues, earning a reputation for dependability in an era when 64 KB of RAM was cutting-edge.

As Winnipeg’s economy diversified in the late 1980s, small businesses increasingly adopted computers for accounting and inventory management. Tony responded by founding Computer Distributors of Canada (CDC) in 1987. Operating from a 6000-square-foot facility on Berry & Wellington Avenue, CDC supplied hardware and software from brands like Apple, Dell, and HP to consumers and businesses across Manitoba. With a focus on competitive offerings and Tony’s strategic vision, CDC became a cornerstone of the region’s IT supply chain.

The 1990s ushered in a digital boom, with the internet transforming how Winnipeg worked and connected. In 1992, Tony unified his retail and service operations under the banner of Computer Distributors of Canada, a brand that would become synonymous with IT excellence in Manitoba. With locations throughout Winnipeg, CDC COMPUTERS provided sales, repairs, custom-built PCs, and full-sized service and production departments. Its slogan, “Winnipeg’s Friendliest Staff,” reflected Tony’s commitment to customer care, with certified technicians offering free estimates and warranties on repairs and systems.

CDC COMPUTERS served a diverse clientele, from individuals seeking personal PCs with CRT monitors to businesses requiring network servers and email systems. By 1995, the company employed over 50 staff, fostering a tight-knit team culture rooted in shared values. The focus on quality and service solidified CDC’s reputation as a trusted IT provider in Winnipeg.

In 1997, Tony launched Micromedics, a division specializing in board-level repairs and micro-soldering. Based at the King Edward Street facility, Micromedics tackled complex issues like motherboard failures and ASIC chip replacements for PCs and Macs. Certified technicians, trained by industry leaders, delivered repairs in 1–2 weeks, far surpassing competitors’ timelines. Micromedics became Winnipeg’s premier destination for high-stakes repairs, serving everyone from students to corporations.

Over the past decade, CDC COMPUTERS has thrived amid rapid technological advancements. Now in its fifth decade, the company remains a leader in Winnipeg’s IT retail and service sector. It offers gaming console repairs, Apple upgrades, and tailored business IT solutions, including custom PCs. Its customer-first ethos, highlighted in a 2023 ThreeBestRated.ca feature, continues to drive its success.

Micromedics excels in niche markets, such as cryptocurrency mining repairs and professional electronics. Its same-day repair service, a flagship offering, has garnered praise on LinkedIn for its efficiency. The company’s website, integrated with CDC COMPUTERS emphasizes speed, reliability, and accessibility, having served over 300,000 customers since 1983. Tony Batista, as President, remains the guiding force, steering the company with a commitment to innovation and customer trust.