If you are comparing IT providers in the Northeast for your small to medium-sized business, you may be wondering how some of them compare in terms of services, costs, and other factors.
We can help.
In this article, we’ll compare two providers: Cooperative Systems and Kelser.
Both companies have good reputations and provide comprehensive managed IT solutions. You may be wondering why we are talking about our competitors. We know that our solution is a good fit for many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), but it is not the right fit for everyone.
We also know that we aren’t the only IT company providing services in the area.
And, as savvy consumers ourselves, we know that potential clients will compare several companies before making the important decision about who to partner with. Also, we get asked this question frequently, so we figured it’s an important question to address.
Every important relationship is built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect, so we are committed to providing unbiased information that business leaders like you need to choose the right IT provider for you.
We also understand that healthy competition is good for us, our industry, and our customers.
We believe in honesty and transparency and that’s why we promise to be as objective as possible in this article and provide an honest comparison of our offerings and those of our competitor, Cooperative Systems.
There may be some detailed information that we aren’t able to gather from the website of Cooperative Systems, but this article should give you a comprehensive understanding of the basic similarities and differences.
After reading this comparison, you will understand the pros and cons of each IT provider and will be able to decide for yourself which option would be a better fit for your business and your goals.
Cooperative Systems
Since 1993, Cooperative Systems has been serving small to medium-sized businesses across New England and nationwide.
Locations
Cooperative Systems has sites in Windsor, Conn., and Burlington, Mass.
Services
Cooperative Systems lists the following its managed services service as “six customizable components” on its website:
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- Virtual Chief Information Officer
- cybersecurity & compliance
- backup & disaster recovery
- monitoring & support
- cloud & data center solutions
- connectivity
They also offer project work separately from their managed services selections.
Typical Clients
Cooperative Systems serves small and medium-sized businesses. It lists its customers in the following industries:
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- manufacturing
- healthcare
- financial services
Customer Satisfaction
We could not find details about customer satisfaction on the Cooperative Systems website. You’ll need to contact the company for this information.
Pricing
Pricing information is not available on the Cooperative Systems website. You will need to work directly with one of their sales specialists to gather this information.
Awards & Recognition
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- Hartford Business Journal Best Places To Work In Connecticut (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020)
- Channel Futures MSP 501 (2019)
Who Is A Good Fit For Cooperative Systems?
Cooperative Systems may be a good fit for small to medium-sized financial, manufacturing and healthcare businesses with locations throughout the country that are not looking for a locally based IT provider.
Additional Information
The company’s employees participate in quarterly team-building activities and support local and regional organizations with volunteer hours, monetary contributions, and non-cash donations.
Kelser Corporation
Founded in 1981 as New Technology Systems, Kelser remains focused on providing IT solutions for corporations as well as small and medium-sized businesses in Connecticut and neighboring states.
Locations
Headquartered in Glastonbury, Conn, Kelser also has warehouses in Windsor, Conn., and Columbus, Ohio.
Services
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- firewall security
- remote monitoring
- managed IT services (including antivirus, anti-malware, and email)
- cybersecurity and compliance solutions
- data center services
- business continuity and disaster recovery
- Virtual Chief Information Officer
- unlimited service desk support
- network and wireless
- supply chain services
- cloud-based solutions
- strategic planning and budgetary guidance
- vendor partnerships
- project work
- financing assistance
Typical Clients
Kelser focuses on small and medium-sized businesses as well as enterprise customers in a variety of industries, including:
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- healthcare
- construction
- manufacturing
- finance
- education
- insurance
- legal
Customer Satisfaction
Kelser’s customer satisfaction rating is 91.4/100 percent based on 139 reviews in a recent 90-day period. Click here to see our latest rating.
Pricing
According to the company website, companies can plan to spend $120 to 140 per user per month for Kelser’s comprehensive managed IT services.
Awards & Recognition
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- 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?
Small and medium-sized businesses or corporations looking for a strategic, local IT partner that offers a personal touch will be a good fit for Kelser. The company handles service calls locally and often provides white-glove delivery to local customers, providing pre-imaged equipment that arrives ready to plug and play.
Additional Information
The Kelser Foundation, established in 2011, has raised $1,058,283 for local nonprofit partners. In addition, the company’s employees have donated more than 195 boxes of nonperishable food items, gently used clothing, sporting equipment, unused games, toys, and more.
Next Steps In Deciding Your Managed IT Partner
Choosing an IT provider can be overwhelming. We understand.
Here are some things to think about:
- What are your goals for the partnership? How will you measure success?
- How can IT best support your business goals?
- Provider size - What’s right for you?
- Location of provider? There are benefits to choosing a local vs. nonlocal provider. What’s important to you?
- How does each provider’s service desk work?
- How much will it cost? What’s included in your contract? What will cost extra?
Whether this is the first time you’ve looked for a managed IT provider or you are looking to switch providers there are many variables to consider. Check out this article to find out everything you need to know about choosing the best provider for you: How Do I Choose The Right IT Provider? Criteria You Can Use.
Now that you understand how Kelser and Cooperative Systems compare, we encourage you to check out other providers as well. And, if you think Kelser might be a good fit for you, we’d love to talk about how we can work together to achieve your goals.
