Walker vs. Kelser: Which Local MSP In Connecticut Is Right For Me?

So, you’ve started your search for a local managed IT service provider (MSP) to solve your IT pain points and help you use your technology to gain a competitive edge.

How do you weed through the dense field of MSPs in your area to find the one that’s the best fit for your business?

At Kelser, we’re fully aware that you have lots of choices when it comes to managed IT services. To help save you valuable time, we’ve done some of the legwork for you as you evaluate different providers.

In this article, we’ll compare one of our competitors, The Walker Group, and Kelser Corporation. Both are well-established and recognized in the field of managed IT.

We strive to present the information in a clear and unbiased way—using readily available public information form their respective websites—to help you get an accurate, straightforward snapshot of each organization.

After reading this comparison article, you’ll understand the services and support each provider offers and their approach to managed IT to determine which option would best suit your business.

The Walker Group

History

Founded as Balance Computer Support by Kate Emery in 1983 in Canton, Conn., the company underwent several rebrands before becoming The Walker Group in 2012.

Location

The Walker Group is headquartered in Farmington, Conn.

Services

• Fully managed IT services (with vCIO and network administrator) 
• Managed security for workstations and servers 
• Network support services 
• Managed firewall 
• Backup and disaster recovery 
• Managed help desk 
• Remote monitoring 

Professional Services

• Cybersecurity & compliancy consulting 
• Security assessments  
• Compliance (CMMC, HIPAA, NIST/DFARS, PCI)
• Microsoft 365 implementation & consulting 
• Procurement services (licensing, hardware/software) 
• Fractional and interim CIO 
• Projects & professional services 
• Training 

Cybersecurity

• Compliance (CMMC, HIPAA, NIST/DFARS, PCI) 
• Ransomware protection 
• Managed security for workstations & servers 
• Secure remote access 
• ePhishing and security awareness training 
• Security assessments 
• Security operations center as a service 

Technology Solutions

• Microsoft 365 - Business Automation 
• Microsoft Teams conferencing solutions 
• Microsoft Teams phone systems 
• Cloud solutions 
• Virtualization 
• Hyper-converged solutions 
• Storage solutions
• Internet service provider & connectivity solutions 
• Business Wi-Fi Solutions 

Typical Clients

• Non-profits make up about a quarter of its client base
• Manufacturing
• Education & government
• Professional services
• Financial services

Customer Satisfaction

The Walker Group uses Net Promotor to measure customer satisfaction and lists a current Net Promoter score of 90 percent.

Pricing

• The company doesn’t list any specific pricing information on its website
• Like most MSPs, it follows a fixed, monthly billing model

Awards & Recognition

The Hartford Business Journal has named The Walker Group among its Best Places To Work in Connecticut for several years running.

Additional Information

The company embraced a social philanthropy focus in 2007. Walker continued this vision in 2014 when it officially became a registered Benefit Corporation (B-Corp). The company evenly splits its distributed profits between the community, its employees, and shareholders.

The company further solidified its social enterprise commitment in 2023 when it transferred the company’s ownership into a Perpetual Purpose Trust, a non-charitable trust that ensures its mission continues in perpetuity.

Together with its clients, the company collected 7,214 pounds of electronic waste for responsible recycling during the 4th Annual eWaste Recycling Day in 2024.

Who Is The Walker Group A Good Fit For?

Businesses in manufacturing, education, government, financial services, professional services, or nonprofits who need IT and cybersecurity solutions would be a good fit for The Walker Group, according to its website. Walker could also be the right choice for organizations needing digital marketing services.

Kelser Corporation

History

Kelser was founded in 1981 in East Hartford, Conn., as New Technology Systems. The company was later renamed as Kelser Corporation and relocated to Glastonbury, Conn.

Location

In addition to its headquarters in Glastonbury, Kelser also maintains warehouses in Windsor Locks, Conn., and Columbus, Ohio.   

Services

• Managed IT services
• Cybersecurity
• Remote monitoring
• Firewall security
• IT services for enterprise
• Strategic vCIO IT planning and budgeting consulting services
• NIST 800-171 compliance
• CMMC compliance
• Business continuity and disaster recovery
• Data center modernization services
• Networking and wireless solutions
• Cloud solutions
• IT Lifecycle management
• Workforce Enablement
• Vendor partnerships
• Supply chain services
• Unlimited service desk support
• Project work

Managed IT/Professional Services

• Executive-level virtual chief information officer (vCIO) who directly manages your project from start to finish
  
  
• Dedicated technical alignment manager (TAM) who develops an 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
  
  
• Managed backup solutions
  
  
• Predictable monthly pricing

Learn more about Kelser's managed IT offerings here.

Typical Clients

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:

• Healthcare 
• Construction
• Manufacturing 
• Financial services
• Education
• Insurance
• Legal
• Nonprofit

Customer Satisfaction

Kelser’s customer satisfaction rating was 100 percent based on client reviews over the past 90 days at the time of publication. Click here to see our latest rating.

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), the average CSAT benchmark score across all industries is 73.2.

Hear actual customer success stories with our clients Hoffman Auto Group and Empire Industries.

Pricing

Companies can plan to spend $120 to $150 per user per month for Kelser’s comprehensive managed IT services. 

For a more detailed cost estimate, use our Kelser calculator to get a free, instant price estimate.

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 (2013-2019)

Additional Information

Community outreach has always been an integral part of the fabric of Kelser. Our company culture promotes giving back in many ways, including our flagship golf tournament, the Annual Kelser Charity Challenge.

Entering its 28th year, KCC has raised more than $276,000 for the Hospital for Special Care’s Center for Cognitive Health, the tournament beneficiary since 2017.

Established in 2011, the company’s not-for-profit arm, the Kelser Foundation, has raised upwards of $1.2 million for various local charitable causes.

Kelser employees have also donated about 200 boxes of nonperishable food items, gently used clothing, sporting equipment, unused games, toys, and more to local charitable organizations.  

Who is Kelser Corporation a good fit for?

Small and medium-sized businesses, nonprofits, or other entities in Connecticut and Massachusetts needing proactive IT management, advanced security solutions, and local, onsite support could be a good fit to work with Kelser.

Organizations of all sizes needing special project work might also find Kelser to be a good choice for their needs.

Through its customer service, engineering, and logistics units, the company provides white-glove equipment set up and delivery to local customers, offering a personal touch and providing pre-imaged devices that arrive ready to plug and play out of the box.

Next Steps In Choosing The Right Local MSP For Your Business

We know it might seem a bit odd that we’re willing to write an article featuring one of our competitors.

We write articles like this so that business owners like you can make informed decisions about the best technology solutions that are right for your organization—whether you choose to work with us or some other provider.

It also goes back to a core value for Kelser—honesty and transparency.

Whether you’ve never used managed IT services before or you’re looking to switch MSPs, there are many factors to consider. Read How To Pick The Right MSP: 8 Criteria To Evaluate Managed IT Providers to find out everything you need to know about choosing the best provider for you.

Check out Why Are More Small And Medium-Sized Businesses Using Managed IT to learn some key benefits of using a managed IT service provider.

Discover 5 Common Mistakes When Using Managed IT Support—And How To Fix Them.

After reading this article, you now have a more complete understanding of the IT service and support offered by Walker and Kelser. We encourage you to research other providers as well before choosing one.

Curious about how much managed IT will cost you? Use our pricing calculator for an no-cost, no-obligation estimate. 

If you think Kelser might be a good fit for your business, or if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We welcome the opportunity to learn more about your business and discuss how we can work together to leverage your technology to meet your short- and long-term business goals.