ADNET Technologies vs. Kelser: Which MSP Is Best For My Business?
With changing regulatory requirements and technology advances reshaping major industries on a global scale, it’s never been more important for organizations to choose wisely when turning to outside managed IT support.
We realize that you have a lot of options when it comes to managed IT service providers (MSPs). So, at Kelser, we want to be a part of the solution, not the problem.
That’s why we offer articles like this one in which we compare ourselves with one of our main managed service provider competitors.
While this may seem unusual—and possibly even a bit disadvantageous—we are committed to presenting facts about each business in as straightforward and unbiased a manner as possible to help you make an informed decision.
Because we recognize how limited your time is, we’ve even done some of the legwork for you here, where we compare ADNET Technologies to Kelser.
The information comes from readily available public information found on their respective websites.
After reading this article, you will have gained a more thorough understanding of the history, services provided, and optimal customer for each business.
With this knowledge, you should be able to use this information as part of your research to help you choose an MSP that’s right for your business.
ADNET Technologies
Founded in 1991, ADNET announced in May 2023 that it had acquired Tech II Business Services, Inc., a managed IT provider based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
ADNET said the merger was an outgrowth of its membership in the New Charter Technologies platform, a network of 21 independently owned MSPs across the country.
Locations
ADNET has offices in Rocky Hill, Conn. and Albany, N.Y., and employs about 70 people.
Services
- Managed IT
- Cloud
- Voice services
- Custom application development
- Digital transformation
- Video surveillance
Cloud
- Cloud migration
- Cloud management
- Virtual desktop infrastructure
- Microsoft Office 365 services
Security
- Managed security services (including managed SIEM; advanced endpoint detection, response, and remediation
- Security awareness training
- Security assessments and testing (risk assessment, vulnerability assessment, and penetration testing, phishing tests)
- Incident response
Voice Services
- Unified communications
- Managed voice services
- Business telephony
Custom Application Development
- Business Intelligence and data management (SQL service)
- Office 365 integration
- Custom application development
- MaS (Managed Applications as a Service)
Digital Transformation
- Artificial Intelligence and machine learning tools
- Customized project work
Video Surveillance
- Management and implementation of customized surveillance systems
Managed IT Services
ADNET’s fully managed IT services, branded as TotalCare, includes:
- Proactive system maintenance
- Security features including endpoint detection and response
- Unlimited remote support via chat, phone, or email
- On-site support is as-needed
The company divides its remote IT support into two different service levels: Foundations First, which includes support Monday to Friday 8 AM – 6 PM in your local time zone.
The company says this level is designed for businesses that typically work standard business hours and doesn’t typically need IT support after business hours.
Its second level of service is Foundations First/24, which provides 24/7/365 IT support. This service level is intended for organizations with multiple locations in different time zones, a remote workforce, or team with different shifts, and want access to support at any time in case of emergencies.
ADNET’s other IT services include: server monitoring, desktop monitoring and management; backup and disaster recovery; network monitoring and management; and firewall monitoring and management.
Typical Clients
The company’s website does not list its clients’ industries or the markets it typically serves.
Customer Satisfaction
The company’s website does not give customer satisfaction statistics, although it does include a few client reviews.
Pricing
ADNET does not disclose its pricing online, although its website does state that it follows the industry standard monthly billing system.
Awards & Recognition
- ADNET says it is a SOC II, Type 2 Compliant IT management and security firm
- Recognized regionally as one of the best places to work by the Hartford Business Journal for the past 9 consecutive years, and by the Albany Business Review in 2021
- Ranked among the top managed IT service providers in Channel Futures’ MSP 501 list and ChannelE2E’s Top 250 Public Cloud MSP list.
- Connectwise IT Nation Partner of the Year 2022
Who Is A Good Fit For ADNET Technologies?
ADNET may be a good fit for small and medium-sized businesses located in central Connecticut or the Albany, N.Y. region in need of fully managed or co-managed IT services.
Businesses that need surveillance systems might also be able to benefit from their security offerings.
Additional Information
ADNET offers an online Learning Center with press releases and original IT-related blog articles.
Kelser Corporation
Established in 1981, Kelser Corporation (previously known as New Technology Systems) has been providing IT solutions for businesses in Connecticut and neighboring states for more than 40 years.
Locations
The company is headquartered in Glastonbury, Conn., with warehouses in Windsor Locks, Conn., and Columbus, Ohio.
Services
- Managed services
- Cybersecurity
- IT services for enterprise
- Strategic IT consulting services
- NIST 800-171 compliance
- CMMC compliance
- Disaster recovery and business continuity
- Data center services
- Network and wireless solutions
- Cloud-based solutions
- Life-cycle management
- Customized project work
Managed IT Services
- An expert virtual chief information officer (vCIO) who directly manages your project from start to finish, including strategic planning and budgetary guidance
- A dedicated Technical Alignment Manager (TAM) who develops intimate knowledge of a client’s entire IT infrastructure to ensure proactive support.
- Enhanced cybersecurity and regulatory compliance services (including firewall security, antivirus, anti-malware, email, and endpoint security solutions)
- Managed proactive IT monitoring
- Unlimited 24/7 help desk support
- Network and wireless offerings
- Predictable monthly pricing
Learn more about Kelser’s managed IT offerings here.
Typical Clients
Kelser serves large enterprise businesses as well as small and medium-sized businesses in a variety of industries including:
- healthcare
- construction
- manufacturing
- finance
- education
- insurance
- legal
Customer Satisfaction
At the time of publication, Kelser’s customer satisfaction rating was 92.7 percent based on 55 reviews within the last 90 days. The company’s website also features client reviews and video success stories.
Pricing
According to the Kelser website, customers can plan to spend $120 to $140 per user per month for comprehensive managed IT support.
The company’s website features a Kelser pricing calculator that you can use to get an instant, no-obligation cost estimate for managed IT support.
Awards & Recognition
- Cloud Tango MSP US (2022)
- CRN Elite 150 (2022 & 2021)
- 2021 Inc. 5000 Regionals: New York City Metro list, (#155 fastest-growing private companies in Connecticut, New Jersey, and NYC)
- CRN Triple Crown Winner (2020)
- CRN Fast Growth 150 (2019)
- CRN Solution Provider 500 List (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019)
- Hartford Courant Top Workplaces, LLC (2014 & 2013)
Who Is A Good Fit For Kelser?
Kelser may be a good fit for corporations as well as small and medium-sized businesses in Connecticut and neighboring states looking to support an internal IT team or needing an external MSP to manage all of its IT needs.
The company handles service calls locally and often provides white-glove equipment delivery to local customers, offering a personal touch and providing pre-imaged devices that arrive ready to plug and play out of the box.
Additional Information
Established in 2011, the Kelser Foundation has raised upwards of $1.2 million for local nonprofit partners. The company holds an annual charity golf tournament, the Kelser Charity Challenge, now in its 27th year.
Since 2017, it has designated the Center for Cognitive Health as the tournament beneficiary, with nearly a quarter million dollars donated to the Center over the last seven years.
Kelser employees have also donated more than 195 boxes of nonperishable food items, gently used clothing, sporting equipment, unused games, toys, and more to local charitable organizations.
In addition, its website features original blog articles about important IT challenges affecting many businesses today.
Next Steps In Your MSP Decision Process
In this article, we’ve tried our best to give you an accurate, side-by-side comparison of two Connecticut-based IT service providers.
We know this is only a small part of the preliminary process of choosing and partnering with an MSP. We also recognize that you have many different providers to choose from, and that deciding between them may seem daunting.
When evaluating managed IT providers, here are some essential factors to consider:
- What are your IT needs and long-term business goals?
- What size provider is right for your business?
- Why do you need an MSP and what are your goals for the partnership?
- Where and how do you operate? Read here about the benefits of working with a local versus nonlocal provider. Decide which option is best for you.
- Does the provider offer unlimited remote and in-person IT support?
- How does the provider handle service calls and SLAs?
- How transparent is the provider on pricing? What are the standard costs? What are add-on expenses?
These are just some of the variables that can influence your choice for managed IT support. If this is your first time working with an MSP, read: What is an IT Managed Services Provider (MSP)? (Should you use one?) to find out if your business could benefit from using one.
Check out this article If you have a current MSP to learn the Signs It May Be Time To Switch Your Managed IT Services Provider.
Read our comparisons with other Connecticut-based managed IT providers CompassMSP and Cooperative Systems.
Don’t stop there! We encourage you to review other providers as well.
Based on what you’ve learned about us, if you think Kelser might be the right managed IT service provider for your business, click the button and we’ll reach out promptly to learn more about your IT needs to see if we might be a good fit to work with in helping you meet your present IT needs and long-term business goals.