At Kelser, we know that businesses have a wide selection when it comes to managed IT services providers. We understand the critical importance of choosing an MSP that meets all of your IT needs while providing a discernable return on your investment.
We understand that placing control of your critical IT infrastructure in someone else’s hands can be scary.
That’s why we feel so strongly about encouraging you to do your research and weigh the different choices available. There’s nothing worse than making a significant investment in time, money, and other resources after selecting an MSP, only to realize after the fact that they aren’t a good fit with your organization.
It’s also why we’re so passionate about posting articles such as this one comparing ourselves to some of our main competitors. In this article, we compare Cooperative Systems and Kelser Corporation.
These articles are not meant to toot our own horn. Truth be told, there are areas where both Cooperative Systems and Kelser shine.
Our aim is simply to provide you with factual information—that is readily available online—about the slate of services each company offers, and what you stand to gain by working with either of us.
We fully support healthy competition, which benefits us, our industry, and ultimately our customers.
So, rather than trying to sway you with a strong-arm sales pitch, we want to present unbiased information to help you make an informed decision on an MSP that best meets your organization’s needs.
After reading this article, you will walk away with a clearer understanding of the human and IT resources that each MSP offers to help you decide which provider might be a better fit for your business.
Cooperative Systems is a managed technology company that started in 1993.
Windsor, Conn. and Woburn, Mass.
Cooperative Systems says it offers fully managed and co-managed services, as well as project work. The company offers seven IT services that it categorizes under its NOAH (Network Observation and Health) brand.
The services under its NOAH umbrella are:
The company says it provides services to companies in four main industries:
Cooperative Systems has no specific customer ratings listed on its website, although it does feature written and video customer testimonials online.
According to its website, the company charges a fixed monthly service fee, except for project-based offerings (its website says you will have to contact them directly for more information about those offerings).
The Hartford Business Journal recognized Cooperative Systems on its 2024 Best Places to Work list. The company was also recognized in 2024 by Channel Futures, of which it is a member organization.
Cooperative Systems is good for companies looking for a managed services provider who takes a “consultative approach” to managed IT support, according to its website.
Cooperative Systems hosts an annual customer appreciation golf tournament. It also supports community outreach through direct services, education, training, speaking engagements, and philanthropic giving, according to its website.
Kelser Corporation has been providing customized IT solutions for enterprise corporations as well as small and medium-sized businesses in Connecticut and neighboring states for more than 40 years. The company was founded in 1981 as New Technology Systems.
In addition to its headquarters in Glastonbury, Conn., Kelser also has warehouses in Windsor, Conn. and Columbus, Ohio.
Kelser offers the following IT services:
Kelser provides enterprise solutions for large corporations as well as managed IT support and project work for small and medium-sized businesses in industries including:
At the time of this article posting, Kelser’s customer satisfaction rating is at 92, based on 60 reviews within the most recent 90-day period. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), the average CSAT benchmark score across all industries is 73.2.
Click here to see our latest rating.
Kelser also features written and video testimonials from clients on its website.
Companies can plan to spend $120 to $150 per user per month for Kelser’s comprehensive managed IT services.
Kelser would be a good fit for corporations looking for an IT provider for enterprise solutions and small and medium-sized businesses in search of a strategic, locally managed IT partner.
The company handles service calls locally and often provides white-glove delivery to local customers, offering a personal touch and providing pre-imaged equipment that arrives ready to plug and play.
Kelser’s not-for-profit arm, The Kelser Foundation, has raised upwards of $1.2 million for local nonprofit partners since it launched in 2011. Much of the money raised comes from proceeds from the Kelser Charity Challenge, its annual fundraising golf tournament.
Each year, the tournament raises tens of thousands of dollars for local causes, with the Hospital for Special Care’s Center for Cognitive Health being the beneficiary since 2017.
In addition, Kelser employees have donated 227 boxes of nonperishable food items, gently used clothing, sporting equipment, unused games, toys, and more as part of Kelser’s ongoing community outreach efforts.
After reading this article, you should have a more complete understanding of what Cooperative Systems and Kelser Corporation offer as part of their respective suite of IT services and managed services.
With this information, it should help guide you in selecting a managed services provider you believe will best meet your needs.