Trying to compare IT providers? Getting frustrated with the process? Feeling like each provider includes different things and has different names for them? You’re probably finding that while each IT provider has the same goal, they often approach the solution differently.
We understand that it can be frustrating and we are committed to help by providing honest, side-by-side comparisons in articles like this one.
We know that it may seem strange that we compare our organization with one of our competitors, but our philosophy is that we have nothing to hide and nothing to lose. The fact is, you are going to compare us anyway, so why not address the comparison head on?
As president of Kelser Corporation, you might think I have a vested interest in which provider you choose. Well, the truth is that while I’d love to expand our customer base, I’m more concerned that you find the provider that works best for you. Your network is too critical to settle for an IT provider that is a bad fit.
We understand that today’s consumers and business decision makers make the majority of their buying decisions based on an internet search of options. In light of that, (and to make things easier,) we provide the impartial information you’d get from an internet search.
I could give you plenty of reasons for our success over the last 40 years, but what really matters is what you need. It doesn’t matter if we excel at XYZ if what you really need is ABC. Simply put, we understand that the comprehensive managed IT support we provide to our customers is not the right solution for every business.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the similarities and differences between Decian and Kelser. If there is information that we couldn’t gather from the Decian website, we’ll let you know rather than leaving you wondering why we didn’t include it.
If you suspect that this is just a stunt to convince you to work with Kelser, I encourage you to read on. The truth is that there are things that each of our organizations does well.
We know we are not the only IT company providing services in this area and we are often asked to recommend other companies to prospective buyers, so we know it’s an important question to address.
There is room in our market for both of us (and many other IT providers). The bottom line is that healthy competition is good for our industry and for our customers.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a handle on the pros and cons of each IT provider and will be better positioned to make an informed decision about which company would be a better fit for your business.
Decian, Inc.
Decian has been in business for more than 15 years.
Locations
Decian has locations in Portland and Wallingford, Conn.
Services
According to the company’s website, Decian offers Office Support (or managed services), professional services, and telecom services.
Office Support/Managed Services
Decian offers 3 office support/managed services packages:
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Express
- Access Pro Software on One Firewall Only
- Access Essential Software on Remaining Devices
- 1 Hour Per Month of Helpdesk Remote Support
- 24/7/365 Monitoring and Support
- Express Reporting Package Includes:
Executive Summary Asset
Warranty Management Reports
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Enhanced
- Access Pro Software on Up to 5 KEY Network Devices
- (Servers, Firewall, Routers Providing Server Patch Management, Critical Device Monitoring & Management)
- Access Essential Software on Remaining Devices
- Endpoint AV Software on all PC\'s/Laptops/Servers
- 2 Hours Per Month of Helpdesk Remote Support
- 24/7/365 Monitoring and Support
- Enhanced Reporting Package Includes:
Executive Summary
Network Assessment
Asset & Warranty Management
Firewall & AV Threats
Status Reports
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Professional
- Access Pro Software, Endpoint AV Software, Smartphone Management and Patch Management on All Devices.
- Automated Maintenance & "Self-Healing" Scripts
- 5 Hours per Month of Helpdesk Remote Support
- 24/7/365 Monitoring and Support
- NOC Portal Login Capability
- Professional Reporting Package Includes:
Executive Summary
Network Assessment
Asset & Warranty Management
Patch Management
AV Security Threats
Status Reports
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Professional Services
Decian lists the following professional networking design and deployment services:
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- Layer 2 and Layer 3 LAN Switching
- Primary and Failover WAN Environments using L2, P2P, MPLS, and VPN Technologies
- Business and Enterprise Wireless P2P, Autonomous and Controller Based Systems
- Firewall Security and Remote Access VPNs
- Multi-Path Internet Connections for Cloud Based Systems
- Advanced IP Communications System Integration
Telecom Services
Their telecom services include:
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- voice Data
- Hosted PBX Phone Systems
- MPLS
- Fiber
- Cloud Computing
Typical Clients
The Decian website doesn’t include a listing of its typical clients or the industries they operate in.
Customer Satisfaction
There is no customer satisfaction information listed on the Decian website.
Pricing
Pricing information is not available on the Decian website. You will need to reach out directly to the company for this information.
Awards & Recognition
There are no awards or other types of recognition listed on the Decian website.
Who Is A Good Fit For Decian?
The Decian website doesn’t include the types of customers they serve.
Kelser Corporation
Established in 1981, Kelser Corporation was established in 1981 as New Technology Systems. For 40 years, the company has been providing IT solutions for businesses in Connecticut and neighboring states.
Locations
Headquartered in Glastonbury, Conn., Kelser 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 corporations and small and medium-sized businesses in a variety of industries including:
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- healthcare
- construction
- manufacturing
- finance
- education
- insurance
- legal
Customer Satisfaction
At the time of publication, Kelser’s customer satisfaction rating was 96/100 percent based on 99 reviews in a recent 90-day period. Click here to see our latest rating.
Pricing
According to the Kelser website, customers can plan to spend $120 to $140 per user per month for comprehensive managed IT support.
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?
Kelser may be a good fit for corporations as well as small and medium-sized businesses in Connecticut and neighboring states that want to support an internal IT team or that are looking for an outside resource to handle all of its IT needs.
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.
Additional Information
Established in 2011, the Kelser Foundation has raised $1,058,283 for local nonprofit partners. Kelser employees also have donated more than 195 boxes of nonperishable food items, gently used clothing, sporting equipment, unused games, toys, and more to local charitable organizations.
Next Steps In Deciding Your Managed IT Provider
We know that the process of choosing an IT partner can be overwhelming. There are a lot of things to think about.
Here are some to consider:
- What are your goals for the partnership? How will you measure success?
- What are the business goals that IT can help support?
- What do you wish technology could do for you?
- Where is your current technology lacking?
- In what ways is your current technology infrastructure working well?
- What size provider will work best for you?
- Your options include 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 does your contract include? What extra costs could you incur?
- What happens if you're unhappy with the service you receive?
If you are looking to work with a managed IT provider for the first time or to switch from your current provider, there are lots of variables to consider. This article tells you what you need to know to get the best provider for your business: How Do I Choose The Right IT Provider? Criteria You Can Use.
Now you understand how Kelser and Decian compare, but don’t stop there! Check out other providers as well. It’s important to find the IT provider that is the right fit for your organization.
And, if you think Kelser might be a good fit for you, we’d love to talk about how we can work together to get your IT working to support your short- and long-term business goals.
