CAL IT Group

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the COO of a construction company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CAL IT Group?

We needed help with IT managed services and cybersecurity.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

CAL IT Group provides IT managed services and cybersecurity. The team has upgraded all of our servers and VPN. Initially, CAL IT Group looked at our existing equipment and recommended more cybersecurity on our end. The team has purchased all of the new equipment since the equipment we had was pretty old and subpar. The team has come in, installed everything, and created a VPN portal for us.

CAL IT Group monitors our website, computers, laptops, iPads, and cell phones for any security risks. They also help us with any IT problems we may have with Outlook or our server. The team provides services both on-site and remotely.

What is the team composition?

We work with Kevin, Joe, Dominic, and three other teammates.

How did you come to work with CAL IT Group?

We found CAL IT Group via Google. I reached out to several companies, and Kevin contacted me right away.

How much have you invested with them?

We spend around $3,500 on monthly maintenance.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in March 2025, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

CAL IT Group's work quality meets our expectations completely.

How did CAL IT Group perform from a project management standpoint?

CAL IT Group delivers work on time and within budget. We communicate via email, text, and phone calls. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their communication is impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there’s nothing they can improve on.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Sign on with CAL IT Group right away.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Operations Manager of Par West

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We sell and manufacture goods for golf courses, sports fields and landscape professionals. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CAL IT Group to accomplish?

• Organize our IT needs
• Quicker service
• Consolidate another branch into our IT network

SOLUTION

How did you find CAL IT Group?

Online Search

Why did you select CAL IT Group over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from CAL IT Group were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Install new machinery and networking equipment to new branch.

Consolidate all workstations to one branch. 

Rename and organize all workstations. 

Monitor and install the right software for cyber security and monitoring. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Extremely good communication and understanding of our needs. 

Knowledgable expertise of computer and networking systems. 

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Cal IT delivered faster than we anticipated. They are very fast and communicative. 

What was your primary form of communication with CAL IT Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

CAL IT is knowledgable but at the same time understanding and relatable. They know we aren't experts, but inform us in the right ways. They also understand our needs as a business which is most important for us. CAL IT is straightforward, clear, and on it from day one. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something CAL IT Group could have done differently?

Nope. They've got their system down and their methods down. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the VP Finance of Pinnacle Petroleum Inc

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Wholesale fuel distributor.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CAL IT Group to accomplish?

• Manage and provide IT support
• Have our IT provider be part of our team
• Manage IT backups and cybersecurity

SOLUTION

How did you find CAL IT Group?

Online Search

Why did you select CAL IT Group over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We hired Cal IT to:

• Manage our IT
• Provide support, cybersecurity training, advise on hardware needs, daily network backups, onboarding for new employees
• Review any new software/hardware needs
• Provide recommendations
• Ensure that the Company is protected from cyber threats
• Manage Microsoft 365
• Provide open communication while being local to our business

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Cal IT has:

1. Provided timely IT support, responding to our "ticket's" within minutes. They have also responded to urgent IT issues over the weekend and again, are always timely.
2. Provided monthly cyber security training to our employees.
3. Provided daily backup reports to management.
4. Provided IT hardware quotes, recommendations for purchases for new computers, security software and servers.
5. Reviewed our needs to move to Voip and supported us in that move.
6. Provided us with timely onboarding of new employees.
7. Provided on-site IT support and IT meetings for updates.
8. Allowed us to have better operational efficiency since we are not bogged down with IT related tasks. 
9. Allowed us to feel secure regarding cyber threats.
10. CAL IT Group makes us feel as though they are a part of our team.

What was your primary form of communication with CAL IT Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Cal IT is transparent, extremely respectful and accomodating to our specific needs. Joe, one of the owners, is amazing. One time when he was here on other business, we mentioned a phone line missing so one desk could not have a phone. He quickly went over to the desk and fixed it (I'm still amazed how he did this so fast). 

This is something that needed to be fixed for years! Joe also won't give up when we have an unusual issue. I know that he will always come back with a solution. Their IT support staff is also very respectful to all of our employees and we enjoy the interactions. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something CAL IT Group could have done differently?

No. They need to stay the way they are.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am a Dir. of Pipedream Products

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Pipedream Products specializes in producing intimate health and wellness products.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CAL IT Group to accomplish?

• Innovation and Technology Upgrade
• Access to Expertise
• Support and Monitoring
• Risk Management

SOLUTION

How did you find CAL IT Group?

Other

Why did you select CAL IT Group over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

The scope of work for an IT department, particularly when involving third-party IT services, encompasses a wide range of tasks and responsibilities. Here’s a detailed description of the various aspects mentioned:

• Data Backup: Regularly back up critical data and systems to secure locations.
• Recovery Testing: Regularly test disaster recovery procedures to ensure they work effectively and efficiently.
• Crisis Management: Provide a clear action plan and communication strategy during and after a disaster to minimize downtime and data loss.
• Planning and Implementation: Develop and implement disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity in case of data loss, natural disasters, or other catastrophic events.
• Procurement and Installation: Source, purchase, and install hardware such as servers, computers, network devices, and peripherals.
• Repairs and Troubleshooting: Diagnose and repair hardware issues to minimize downtime.
• User Support: Provide first-line support to end-users for IT-related issues via phone, email, or chat.
• Ticket Management: Use ticketing systems to log, prioritize, and track the resolution of support requests.
• Problem Resolution: Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to software, hardware, and network connectivity.
• User Training: Offer training sessions and resources to help users understand and effectively use technology tools and systems.
• Proactive Monitoring: Continuously monitor IT systems to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.
• Performance Optimization: Regularly optimize system performance to ensure efficiency and reliability.
• Software Management: Manage software installations, updates, and licenses.
• Vendor Management: Liaise with third-party vendors for software and hardware procurement and support.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• System uptime and availability
• Response and Resolution times 
• Security Metrics 
• User Satisfaction 
• Disaster recovery and backup metrics
• innovation and Technology Adoption 

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The third-party IT provider consistently met project milestones and deadlines. Deliverables such as system implementations, updates, and support services were completed as scheduled.

• Requirement Gathering: The provider took the time to thoroughly understand the company’s needs and requirements through detailed consultations and requirement-gathering sessions.
• Customization and Flexibility: They demonstrated flexibility and willingness to customize solutions to fit specific business needs and preferences.
• Quick Issue Resolution: The provider was prompt in addressing any issues or concerns that arose during the project, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: They proactively identified potential challenges and offered solutions before issues became critical.

What was your primary form of communication with CAL IT Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App
• Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

• Exceptional Expertise and Knowledge 
• Proactive approach 
• Customer Centric Focus 
• Reliability and Trustworthiness
• Effective Communication

Are there any areas for improvement or something CAL IT Group could have done differently?

While there is always room for growth and improvement, CAL IT Group has consistently demonstrated exceptional service across all areas.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the IT manager for an oil and gas company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CAL IT Group?

We needed someone to manage our heavier network infrastructure.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

CAL IT Group is a managed IT service provider that does the daily backup of servers, server installations, and the overall health of servers and monitoring. They also take all the help desk tickets that come through daily, which frees me up to focus on some of the more prominent IT tasks.

They’ve done multiple hardware purchases for servers, network switches, and wireless access points. We currently use SentinelOne to manage software and have used Webroot in the past when they’ve deployed.

CAL IT Group has also managed and installed Cisco AnyConnect VPN, Weatherford ForeSite, the Microsoft Office suite, different PDF software such as Adobe and Nitro Pro, Schlumberger, TIBCO Spotfire, and other oilfield software.

Additionally, they do maintenance; they provide a maintenance contract for every equipment we purchase through them, along with a warranty. Overall, CAL IT Group manages all of our software issues; they’re the first responders to solve them.

What is the team composition?

Our primary contact is Joe (Partner & Director of Technical Services), and I also interact with Kevin (Managing Partner), who is more on the business side. For daily ticketing and things that come up, we communicate with Brandon (Technical / Sales Support), Joshua (Level 1 Helpdesk Associate), Colin (Cybersecurity Analyst), and Sean (Former Desktop Specialist).

How did you come to work with CAL IT Group?

They worked with our previous service provider. We were using another company, and CAL IT Group was a derivative of that vendor.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $500,000–$1 million.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in April 2017, and our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We haven’t measured the time saving, but CAL IT Group is our 24/7 support. They handle around three-quarters of the 1–20 ticket items that come through on a daily basis remotely, and I handle the rest internally since I’m in the office.

How did CAL IT Group perform from a project management standpoint?

With our previous managed service provider and in the overall industry, the lead time is about four hours to solve a ticket. However, in CAL IT Group’s business model, they usually solve issues within 30 minutes. It’s surprising how fast they can get results, which is huge for our organization. When something’s not working, people want it to work immediately.

They’re also within the budget. As a managed service provider, they manage our firewall and Microsoft suite, so those costs are included when we get the monthly bill. However, the company has to pay those costs no matter what because everything’s a subscription model, so CAL IT Group is on point with the price.

Additionally, we currently don’t use any managed project platforms.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

I’d give a shout-out to Joe; he’s always the one I can call. If he doesn’t answer, it’s usually because he’s on the phone with another client. However, he’s always quick to call back. Overall, he’s a thick security blanket when something’s wrong. I know I can count on Joe when I need a quick answer.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their biggest strength is their sense of pride and ownership of their company. Joe and Kevin founded CAL IT Group, and they’ve been in the industry for a long time. They know what works and what doesn’t for many service providers, so they’ve tailored a business that makes a lot of sense for companies like us.

Moreover, CAL IT Group is an excellent resource because we don’t have to be on the phone 24/7. I can rely on them to handle quick ticket items, giving us more time to focus on the bigger picture for our organization. They’ve been a life-saving support for us because they get and solve the ticket promptly. It comforts everyone from the lower to the upper executive level that their ticket will be solved quickly.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The biggest improvement they can make is on their help desk side. They should get their help desk to the same level as Joe. He’s very knowledgeable in everything IT-related, so having another person like him at the help desk would resolve things even faster if Joe’s not around.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Understand the IT costs and that CAL IT Group isn’t out here to gouge you. You’ll have overhead costs that are merely overhead costs that every company has to pay for. CAL IT Group will do everything they can to make your monthly rate as budget-friendly as possible so you both feel good about it.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the IT Manager of an natural gas company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide natural gas as an alternative fuel for vehicle fleets in the United States and Canada, focusing on the development, operation, and distribution of natural gas fueling stations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CAL IT Group to accomplish?

• Internal and External Penetration Testing
• Ongoing Vulnerability Management
• Advanced security hardware / software

SOLUTION

How did you find CAL IT Group?

Referral

Why did you select CAL IT Group over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from CAL IT Group were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

The project scope includes conducting an in-depth internal and external penetration test, followed by the establishment of an ongoing vulnerability scanning and management program. Key deliverables for this project are: 

• **Detailed Report of Penetration Test Findings**: A comprehensive document detailing the methodologies used, vulnerabilities discovered, their severity levels, and potential impacts on the organization. The report will also provide tailored recommendations for mitigating identified risks and enhancing the security posture. 
• **Vulnerability Scanning Schedule and Protocols**: A clear plan outlining the frequency of vulnerability scans, the technologies and tools to be used, and the process for updating scanning parameters in response to emerging threats. 
• **Vulnerability Management Framework**: A document outlining procedures for tracking, evaluating, and prioritizing vulnerabilities based on their severity and potential impact. This framework will include response protocols for addressing critical vulnerabilities. 
• **Remediation Guidance and Support**: Detailed guidance on addressing identified vulnerabilities, including technical advice and best practices for remediation efforts. Support will be available to ensure effective implementation of recommended security measures. 
• **Executive Summary and Review Meetings**: A high-level summary tailored for executive leadership, highlighting key findings, risks, and strategic recommendations. Regular review meetings will be scheduled to discuss findings, progress on remediation efforts, and any adjustments needed to the vulnerability management strategy. 

This project aims to significantly enhance the organization's cybersecurity defenses by identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, thereby reducing the risk of cyber attacks. The ongoing vulnerability management program will ensure the organization remains resilient against evolving cyber threats, aligning with industry best practices and compliance requirements. 

The deliverables will be designed to provide actionable insights and facilitate informed decision-making, supporting the organization's commitment to maintaining a robust security posture.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Measurable outcomes from the penetration testing and ongoing vulnerability management project that demonstrate progress or success include: 

• **Reduction in Vulnerabilities**: A quantifiable decrease in the number of detected vulnerabilities over time, especially critical and high-severity vulnerabilities, as a result of systematic remediation efforts. 
• **Improved Response Time**: Enhanced efficiency in identifying, prioritizing, and mitigating vulnerabilities, evidenced by reduced response times from detection to remediation. 
• **Increased Security Posture Score**: Improvement in the organization’s security posture score, calculated based on various metrics, including vulnerability exposure, patch management effectiveness, and the implementation of security best practices. 
• **Successful Mitigation of Simulated Attacks**: The ability of the organization’s defenses to successfully detect and mitigate simulated attacks during subsequent penetration tests, demonstrating the effectiveness of implemented security measures. 
• **Compliance Achievement**: Meeting or exceeding compliance standards relevant to the organization’s industry, as demonstrated by compliance audit results or certifications obtained after the implementation of the project’s recommendations. 
• **User Awareness Improvement**: Increased cybersecurity awareness among employees, as measured by the reduction in successful phishing simulations and other user-centric security tests. 
• **Reduction in Security Incidents**: A decrease in the number and severity of real-world security incidents experienced by the organization, indicating a stronger defense against cyber threats. 
• **Positive Return on Security Investment (ROSI)**: Demonstrating the financial value of the project through cost avoidance of potential breaches, improved operational efficiency, and protection of organizational reputation. 

These outcomes collectively indicate the project’s success in enhancing the organization’s cybersecurity resilience, reducing risk exposure, and fostering a proactive security culture. They also provide tangible evidence of progress that can be communicated to stakeholders, including executive leadership, investors, and regulatory bodies.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

For an illustrative review based on a hypothetical successful cybersecurity project focusing on penetration testing and vulnerability management: The project management approach employed by the team was exemplary, characterized by clear communication, effective planning, and a strong commitment to meeting deadlines. From the outset, the project manager established a detailed timeline, with milestones that aligned with our organizational needs and security objectives. 

Each phase of the project, from the initial penetration test to the implementation of the vulnerability management program, was completed on schedule. The team excelled not only in timely delivery but also in their responsiveness to our needs. They demonstrated flexibility when adjustments were necessary, incorporating our feedback and adapting their strategy to better align with our evolving requirements. 

For instance, when we requested additional focus on specific areas of our network during the penetration test, the team promptly adapted their approach without impacting the project timeline. Communication was a strong point throughout the project. Regular updates were provided, ensuring that we were always informed about the progress being made and any issues that arose. 

This transparency allowed for swift decision-making and helped build trust between our team and the project management team. In response to the findings from the penetration test, the team provided thorough and actionable recommendations. They worked closely with our in-house IT staff to ensure that the suggested security measures were implemented effectively, offering guidance and expertise that significantly contributed to enhancing our cybersecurity posture. 

Overall, the project management was a key factor in the success of the cybersecurity initiative. The team's ability to deliver on time, coupled with their responsiveness to our needs, resulted in a significantly improved security infrastructure for our organization. Their professional and proactive approach made them an invaluable partner in our efforts to safeguard our digital assets.

What was your primary form of communication with CAL IT Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What stands out most impressively about the company engaged in the cybersecurity project, particularly in penetration testing and vulnerability management, is their holistic and adaptive approach to cybersecurity challenges. Unlike traditional security firms that may focus solely on identifying vulnerabilities, this company distinguishes itself by integrating robust post-identification support and education, ensuring not just immediate fixes but long-term resilience. 

Their use of cutting-edge technology combined with human expertise to simulate real-world cyber attacks provides a comprehensive understanding of potential threats. However, what sets them apart is their dedication to client empowerment: after identifying vulnerabilities, they engage in detailed, hands-on workshops with the client’s IT staff, focusing on remediation strategies, prevention techniques, and fostering a culture of security awareness throughout the organization. 

Another unique aspect is their commitment to transparency and communication. They prioritize keeping the client informed at every step of the process, from initial assessment through to the implementation of security measures and beyond. This approach demystifies the often complex world of cybersecurity for their clients, making it accessible and understandable. The company also demonstrates an impressive adaptability to the rapidly changing landscape of cyber threats. 

Their ongoing vulnerability management service is tailored to evolve in response to new vulnerabilities and attack vectors, ensuring that the client's defenses remain robust over time. This proactive stance on cybersecurity is not just about responding to threats but anticipating them, setting the company apart in a field that demands constant vigilance. 

In essence, the company's blend of advanced technology, educational empowerment, transparent communication, and adaptability in their cybersecurity approach not only addresses current security concerns but also prepares clients for future challenges, making their service not just impressive but uniquely forward-thinking.

Are there any areas for improvement or something CAL IT Group could have done differently?

None that I can think of

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the operations, graphics, and data manager of a furniture manufacturing company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CAL IT Group?
We needed a managed IT services provider.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

CAL IT Group provides our company with managed IT services. The team manages our computer environment, system, and servers. CAL IT Group is close to our location and provides in-office assistance when required. The team also provides remote assistance troubleshooting through a ticketing system. 

CAL IT Group has set up a router and firewall in our building for security and takes care of our VPN, ensuring our systems are secured to access remotely. The team has purchased software and hardware as needed.

What is the team composition?

We've worked with around six teammates from CAL IT Group, including Joe (Co-Founder & Director of Technical Services), Nick (Technical Support Lead), and Sean (Desktop Specialist).
How did you come to work with CAL IT Group?
My company's engagement with CAL IT Group precedes my time working here, so I'm unsure how we initially contacted them. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working with CAL IT Group since January 2015, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

CAL IT Group's work meets our expectations, and their entire team is supportive. The team addresses and resolves issues properly, helping us maintain our equipment. CAL IT Group has helped us save money; for instance, we recently updated our servers, and the team supported us. CAL IT Group has provided different options and informed us about the quality of the equipment, assessing financial options to help our company save money.
How did CAL IT Group perform from a project management standpoint?
CAL IT Group has a ticketing system, and we can create tickets through phone calls and email. The team has a phone number we can call 24 hours a day, which is very helpful. CAL IT Group also has a dedicated email we can contact to create tickets. The team has installed custom software on our computers that takes screenshots of the issue we select and creates an email for us to finish writing the ticket. CAL IT Group has trained our team to use this software. 

After sending an email, CAL IT Group's system creates a ticket that prompts an email or phone call response. The team provides accurate timelines for each ticket and resolves issues quickly, usually within the same day or a few hours. CAL IT Group is communicative, and reaching them is easy. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

CAL IT Group is a professional team and has security protocols in place for their employees. For instance, when a team member left the company, CAL IT Group changed our passwords to ensure our accounts were secured.

Are there any areas they could improve?
CAL IT Group can create a thorough checklist when coming to our office. I'd like the team to ask more questions and not just wait for me to tell them what needs to be resolved. Perhaps CAL IT Group can schedule regular check-ups or ask about the performance of software they've installed for us. Sometimes, things change on our side, and I'm unsure if CAL IT Group has the updated information. 

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?
Be a sponge and absorb as much information as possible from CAL IT Group to communicate it to your teammates. Remember, there is more than one way to resolve things, and I recommend exploring those options with CAL IT Group.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a director for an investment management company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CAL IT Group?

We hired CAL IT Group for managed IT and cybersecurity services. We needed to ensure we had the proper security to comply with our industry’s regulatory standards. We brought in CAL IT Group because we felt we were behind the curve with security and wanted to ensure we were up-to-date with technology. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We provided CAL IT Group with documentation to start, and they visited our space to understand the state of our technology environment. We went through policies, and they did a deep dive into our people, processes, and equipment. CAL IT Group has helped us transition off of a single server and AWS and made a lot of suggestions that save us money. In addition to cybersecurity services, CAL IT Group provides us with a help desk. The team primarily works remotely, but when needed, they come on site. 

CAL IT Group also helps us onboard and offboard employees. They are responsible for purchasing equipment and ensuring that when an individual leaves, everything is shut down properly for security purposes. They also play a role in advising our policy process around cybersecurity. 

What is the team composition?

There are about four employees working with us at the help desk, but I know they have at least a dozen other technicians on the help desk. We also speak to Joe (Director of Technical Services) and Kevin (Managing Partner) when needed. 

How did you come to work with CAL IT Group?

CAL IT Group was recommended to us by someone we previously worked with. We have an interesting setup because we are both for-profit and nonprofit, so we needed a team that could handle that. We went through an RFP process and eventually offered the contract to CAL IT Group. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in March 2021, and the engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

CAL IT Group provides us with excellent service and the collaboration has saved us money because they've streamlined everything. Their team makes us feel like a priority, and they always go the extra mile. 

How did CAL IT Group perform from a project management standpoint?

CAL IT Group delivers on time and works within budget. They communicate effectively and always keep us up to date. We use a ticketing system, which they install on all of our employee's computers. We also communicate via email and phone calls when necessary. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have been wonderful to work with and offer excellent support. Our employees have been so impressed with the help desk and customer service that they get from CAL IT Group’s team that we cannot say enough good things about them. Even if they don’t know an answer right away, they always ensure they come back and solve the issue. 

We are a small shop, and it could be very easy for our company to get lost with bigger companies, but CAL IT Group makes us feel important and understood. They always assist when some of our employees don’t understand and are willing to jump on a call to help. CAL IT Group is truly the whole package. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

We think that when they bring in new technicians, CAL IT Group could better communicate that to us. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You should try to have one point person who works with CAL IT Group. As you onboard their team, give them an overview of your organization and its employees. That gives them a better idea of time zones and the individuals they’ll work with to be more successful. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the IT Manager of Crystal Art Gallery

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are one of the nation's top suppliers of Home Decor: Framed Art, Mirrors, and wall decor item.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CAL IT Group to accomplish?

• Cyber Security
• Clean up our IT Infrastructure
• Manage and maintain our IT Infrastructure
• Backup Disaster and Recovery

SOLUTION

How did you find CAL IT Group?

Referral

Why did you select CAL IT Group over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

What was the size of CAL IT Group’s team?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Managed IT Services:

• Initial Discovery Process
• Provide formal proposal for Managed IT/Security Services.
• Setup conference call to review proposal
• Execute Proposal

Onboarding Activities:

• Perform detailed IT Health Check
• Risk Analysis
• Deployment of Monitoring / Management tools
• Deployment of Security Suite (Anti-virus, DNS Filtering, Email Hygiene, Security Awareness Training, Dark Web Scanning)
• Deployment of Managed Backup / disaster Recovery Services
• Develop IT runbook (Operational guide used internally by CAL IT Staff)
• Develop IT Roadmap (Enhancements required to mitigate the risks uncovered during the IT Health Check / Security Risk Analysis)
• Develop Change Management / IT User Policies
• Go-Live with Managed IT/Security Services (Day 30) Post Go-Live
• Develop timeline / budgeting to perform enhancements outlined in the IT Roadmap
• Monthly / Quarterly IT Strategy Meetings

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Server & Network performance enhance (Faster and more consistent).
• Backup Disaster and Recovery was performed and completely recovered withiin half day.
• Upper management are no longer checking/calling, because they're more confident that our data are safe and secure.
• Employees are producing more output on their daily workloads.
• Calls for support are less.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

We've partnered with CalIT Group 4+ years ago to co-manage our IT. They came in, assess our IT Infrastructure, prepared Comprehensive Roadmap, and they delivered (In a timely manner). All of our needs was met. With their presence, we (internal IT) are focus more on streamlining our business operation. The cost is worth the value.

What was your primary form of communication with CAL IT Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

When everything is set and "done" (double quote, because some stuff are on going), whether there are issue or not, they are always present.

Are there any areas for improvement or something CAL IT Group could have done differently?

None at this time.