By Hank Russell, Patchogue Medford News

Peter Rabolt found himself out of a job as a software designer in the early 1990’s, when his former employer folded. He told his customers to give him a call at his house if they ever had any problems. For Rabolt, the phone has never stopped ringing.

Since 1992, Synchronized Systems Inc. in Patchogue has provided hardware and custom software sales and support. The software is primarily used for processing data electronically in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

That experience can be chalked up to Rabolt and his business partner, Neil Petillo. “In the 1980’s, we were part of a company that was one of the first to do electronic billing to the New York State Health Department for Medicaid (claims) Processing,” said Rabolt, who is also the company’s vice president and head of development. “Armed with an Apple II (computer), we started a software billing revolution. At the time, everyone else was submitting (forms) to NY State on paper.”

After two decades and hundreds of phone calls later, Rabolt has seen Synchronized Systems build up. The company now has 250 customers throughout Long Island and the five boroughs (Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island).

On its website ("www.ssi-ny.com), Synchronized Systems lists various customized and pre-packaged software, offering free preliminary system definition and a flat price estimate. Once the estimate is approved, the system can be delivered in 90 to 120 days.

Synchronized Systems really took off and became the powerhouse it is today, when Rabolt turned his focus to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. This act requires that all patients’ medical records be kept private and confidential while the information is transferred to other healthcare facilities. Rabolt used his past years of experience and technical knowledge, to decipher the immense volumes of information, which literally contained six inches of publications (explaining HIPAA). While the new federal regulations put some other software companies out of business, HIPAA “has kept us busy,” he said. The company’s premier medical product, PC-MVS (PC Medicaid Verification Software) has more than 700 software licenses installed in hospitals, treatment centers, and clinics across the state.

Synchronized Systems products are not limited to just the medical field. Rabolt has created software for transportation companies, which use routing, scheduling and drivers record management. He has also developed software for restoration companies that use estimating and billing applications, and for the food services industry to help them keep track of inventory and deliveries.

In addition, Synchronized Systems specializes in Internet installation and configuration, and simple website design. They offer software and hardware service contracts, as well as backup, restoration and conversion of data. Although they’re not a retail store, for business customers looking to purchase a new computer, Synchronized Systems provides the latest technology powered by an Intel CPU (computer processing unit) with a wide variety of options and a one-year on site warranty. For an upgrade, they have brand name parts and add-ons in stock. They also provide on-site part repair, replacement, and support on an hourly fee basis.

The company prides itself on customer service with a personal touch. We always manage to make the time to get to know our customers on a one-to-one basis. At Synchronized Systems, you’re not just a customer, you’re a friend.

Has Rabolt ever thought of expanding? “That depends”, he said. “Hardware wise, all of our customers are in New York, but with today’s technology we can provide software, remote support, installation and training to any customer across the US and the world through the Internet. We have expanded our territory into Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and we’re working on getting our name out to other states as well. ”

Synchronized Systems technical staff is certified in Novell and Microsoft networking, as well as older operating systems, such as Lantastic and Concurrent DOS (Desktop Operating System). They provide a package that includes cabling, set-up and installation of client/server software, and staff training. Staff members are also experienced in providing stand-alone RJ-11 phone and RJ-45 network cabling services.

“Synchronized Systems may have a small staff,” Rabolt said, “but it is able to offer unique products and outstanding customer service. We’re five (people) doing the work of 25,” he said.

For more information, contact Synchronized Systems, Inc. at (631) 207-4221, or visit www.ssi-ny.com.