B/Net Systems

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the COO of Gridstrategiesllc, a power sector consulting firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address with B/Net Systems?

We needed help solving a cybersecurity issue for our company — we were getting lots of phishing attempts.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’ve started our partnership with B/Net Systems with cybersecurity tasks. They’ve begun the process by formatting all our computers and doing all the initial setup, including purchasing and installing hardware and software based on our wants and needs. Currently, they’re our off-site IT vendor for all of our IT needs, including software and hardware updates.

What was the team composition? 

We’ve been mainly working with Pam (COO).

How did you come to work with B/Net Systems?

I had worked with them in the past with another organization, so I knew how they operated.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve spent $10,000–$49,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

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

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

B/Net Systems’ work has been seamless, and they’ve been doing great. Having an IT team with us has been more helpful than us being on our own.

How did B/Net Systems perform from a project management standpoint?

B/Net Systems’ team is quick with the deliverables and solving problems. They’ve also been able to meet deadlines and stay on budget. Regarding tools and communication, we use email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We like that B/Net Systems is a small, local company because we’re in the same time zone, and they’re able to drop things off, like a computer. Moreover, they’re an honest and open team, so it’s nice to be able to trust them. All of their staff is direct, and we’ve never had a miscommunication issue.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think there’s anything they can improve on.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be clear with your requests; they’ll be clear if they can help you with that or not.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a research and policy associate for Grid Strategies LLC, a power sector consulting firm that helps clients understand opportunities and barriers to integrating clean energy into the electric grid. We focus on transmission and how wholesale markets and grid strategies analyze and help advance grid integration solutions. 

In my role, I provide economic policy research and analysis on power markets and transmission. I also support our efforts working for the advanced transmission technology coalition through our policy and PR efforts. Additionally, I help with our efforts working with universities through administrative duties and organizing events. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with B/Net Systems?

We needed a formal IT team since we didn’t have one internally. In particular, we needed help with complex issues such as system security. We also needed help getting employees onboarded and technical support.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

B/Net Systems provides managed IT services for us. During employee onboarding, the team sets up new teammates’ computers. They also provide technical support. For example, I had an issue with my computer where apps weren’t loading, and B/Net Systems helped me fix it. If we have security concerns, the team also addresses them. For instance, we received many phishing emails during a period, and the team fixed that issue. 

Additionally, B/Net Systems has provided basic security advice to protect our privacy and information, such as using hotspots in public areas instead of logging into a public WiFi.

What is the team composition?

We have one main point of contact and have met with Chris (Founder & President) and Pam (COO).

How did you come to work with B/Net Systems?

We most likely found them through a reference. B/Net Systems has had glowing reviews from previous customers, and we specifically wanted a provider who handled IT for small and medium-sized businesses. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in June 2022, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

B/Net Systems is very professional, quick, and thorough. When we started working together, I had issues with my computer, and the team responded immediately and made themselves available to meet as soon as possible. The team fixed the issue remotely and very quickly and checked other aspects of the computer, such as Zoom permissions. 

On one occasion, Chris and Pam came to our office and gave us security and best practices advice. They gave really good advice and were very detailed and thorough. Therefore, we’ve received personalized attention from B/Net Systems. 

Moreover, the team has resolved issues we weren’t sure were fixable. For example, we didn’t know they could do something to avoid phishing emails. Overall, the team has been nothing but professional, timely, and great. 

How did B/Net Systems perform from a project management standpoint?

They deliver everything we ask for on time and complete. B/Net Systems is always available for a call when we need them. As a small firm, we appreciate that they respond to our requests on the same day. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m impressed with the level of care and personal attention B/Net Systems provides. Although I haven’t worked with many IT consulting companies before, we usually don’t have the COO and founder of a service provider visit us to explain their services and advise us. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing they need to improve; we’ve always gotten everything we needed from B/Net Systems.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of the Clean Energy Business Network. We’re a small nonprofit with four employees.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with B/Net Systems?

We hired them for their managed IT services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

B/Net Systems manages our IT needs. They help us set up our emails, put up and maintain our computers, and ensure all our software and hardware are up to date. Additionally, they provide us with recommendations for improvement and are in charge of monitoring viruses or other types of security concerns within their software.

What is the team composition?

We work with three people from their team: Chris (Founder & President), Volkan (Chief Engineer), and Aloys (IT Support Specialist).

How did you come to work with B/Net Systems?

We found them through a recommendation.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent less than $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in May 2017, and our engagement is still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We absolutely love working with them — their services are extremely good, and they work collaboratively to meet our needs.

How did B/Net Systems perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re really responsive — whenever we submit a ticket request, they get back to us very quickly. Also, they’re friendly and helpful, and their services are reasonably priced.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’re impressed with their ability to understand our unique needs. For instance, if we don’t understand something right away, they find a way to explain it in simpler terms. 

Are there any areas they could improve on?

No, they’ve done a terrific job; in fact, we wish all of the providers that we work with would be like them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the President of a consulting firm specializing in the ICT sector

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire B/Net Systems?

We hired B/Net system to outsource the management of our IT activities, including installation, maintenance, and break/fix work for our servers, workstations, and networking equipment. Our goal in hiring B/Net was to ensure 24/7 maintenance and monitoring, keeping our systems running correctly.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We had previously worked with Chris, President of B/Net. When deciding to outsource our IT department, we immediately thought of him and proceeded to interview B/Net. The deciding factors were experience in the field, flexibility, trustworthiness/reliability, and reasonable cost.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

B/Net Systems has worked with TMG on every aspect of IT in our business. They have helped us manage our computer systems and are an invaluable aid in managing our IT operations. They have helped us design, develop, implement, and coordinate policies and procedures related to our systems.

B/Net has ensured the security of our data, staying on top of our employees’ and servers’ network access. They have identified problematic areas, implemented strategic solutions on time, and provided day-to-day real-time monitoring of our operations.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We have regularly interacted with Volkan, Chief Engineer; Chris, President; Pam, COO; Casey, Technical Consultant

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

B/Net Systems has provided a highly reliable and stable IT environment for TMG while keeping us abreast of developments and innovations relevant to a company with our characteristics. Their services let us concentrate on our core business.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow between TMG and B/Net has been very effective. It is very easy to communicate with them. They have always responded speedily to any issues or questions we have posed.

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

We have found their reliability and speediness in response to be impressive. They have consistently exceeded our expectations.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

For the specified services we have engaged B/Net, we are unaware of any areas in which they should improve.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a 25-year-old international government relations consulting firm. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with B/Net Systems?

I needed help upgrading the quality of my computers and telecommunications system to serve my domestic and international clients better. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

B/Net Systems has helped me select and install my firm’s software and hardware assets. During our engagements, I brief them about my operations and goals, and they devote time to understanding my business needs. 

From there, B/Net Systems crafts recommendations that will be appropriate for present and future use. They also provide training on how to use the tools we’ve acquired. 

In addition, B/Net Systems routinely upgrades my software and reviews my hardware. 

What is the team composition?

I worked with 4–6 people over the years. 

How did you come to work with B/Net Systems?

They were recommended to me by the president of a major trade association.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

B/Net Systems has consistently provided excellent guidance and service for my firm for two decades. I’ve been pleased with their outstanding work and the quality of their professionals. 

How did B/Net Systems perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate as needed, and I tend not to contact B/Net Systems unless I have a need or question. Sometimes, they contact me if they have a recommendation. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The quality of B/Net Systems’ personnel is impressive — they’re extremely knowledgeable, and their response time has been immediate. I’m thrilled with the quality of their services.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything. We’re constantly communicating and can always discuss if something comes up. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the CEO of the International Franchise Association, a nonprofit membership organization in Washington, DC. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with B/Net Systems?

We hired B/Net Systems to be our IT partners so we wouldn’t have to hire internal IT teammates.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

B/Net Systems provides on- and offsite IT services, providing ongoing IT support and facilitating equipment purchases. For example, they’ve helped us recover and address a security breach. 

What is the team composition?

I work with the owner of B/Net Systems and several technicians. 

How did you come to work with B/Net Systems?

Our CFO had worked with B/Net Systems in previous roles and referred their services to us. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invest $200,000–$900,000 with B/Net Systems annually. 

What is the status of this engagement?

My company’s partnership with B/Net Systems began around January 2015, and it’s ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve received a lot of positive staff feedback from B/Net Systems’ customer service surveys. 

How did B/Net Systems perform from a project management standpoint?

B/Net Systems has great project management; they’re responsive and provide us with regular updates. Our staff uses an online ticketing system to submit IT tickets and track ticket status. Most of our communication with B/Net Systems is through email and text messages, although we call when we have urgent requests. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

B/Net Systems has built a fantastic relationship with our organization and our staff, which is truly incredible. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have nothing for B/Net Systems to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’d advise any customer bringing on B/Net Systems to do a complete orientation and IT audit with B/Net Systems’ team to establish their needs. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the controller and HR Manager for a company that provides shelving and storage solutions. Around 50% of our clients are government entities while the other 50% are commercial companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with B/Net Systems?

One division of our company provided records management software, but we found out that our IT system wasn’t compliant with one of our client’s standards. A third-party company assessed our system, and we did poorly on the assessment. As a result, we hired B/Net to help us. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

B/Net helped our division to pass the assessment and make our system compliant. After that, we used B/Net for the rest of the company. 

At present, we’ve been using them for IT support.

What is the team composition?

We work with three people.

How did you come to work with B/Net Systems?

The third-party company that did our initial assessment recommended B/Net to us. That was how we found them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $200,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September 2019, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We don’t have specific success metrics, but we’ve passed the compliance audit of our client. That’s 100% due to B/Net’s services. 

How did B/Net Systems perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication is excellent. They send me a detailed report every month; that’s part of their invoice, where they describe exactly how they’ve spent their time. We also have periodic check-in meetings. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

B/Net’s knowledge distinguishes them from other providers; we’d never pass the audit if not for them. The current IT person we have is nowhere near the skill level they’ve provided. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there aren’t any.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am an executive assistant at a kitchen cabinets manufacturer and distributor for residential and commercial customers. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with B/Net Systems?

We didn't have the capacity in-house to handle our IT needs. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

B/Net Systems handles all of our IT work. They mainly manage our day-to-day operations, fixing minor bug issues. ​​B/Net Systems has also installed and now maintains our servers. Additionally, B/Net Systems has handled our email migration project and installed a new firewall. 

What is the team composition?

We had one main point of contact at B/Net Systems, but a larger team was working on the backend.  

How did you come to work with B/Net Systems?

We had a teammate with a connection at B/Net Systems who introduced me to them. We felt comfortable with them, so we didn't shop around for other providers. 

How much have you invested with them?

We've invested around $60,000 with B/Net Systems so far. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We hired B/Net Systems full-time in June 2020, and our partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

B/Net Systems' team has resolved our recurring IT issues, like repeat internet issues and server crashes. B/Net Systems' services have been invaluable to our company. 

How did B/Net Systems perform from a project management standpoint?

B/Net Systems has good project management — they always let us know where they are throughout a project. They explain processes thoroughly; their teammates are knowledgeable and informative.

What did you find most impressive about them?

B/Net Systems preemptively addresses potential issues before they snowball into larger IT problems. They're always frank with us about what parts of our system may cause issues in the future. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don't have anything for B/Net Systems to improve. We've only had one minor communication issue, which only required a second follow-up. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Customers should take advantage of the monthly meetings B/Net Systems schedules. They've been accommodating and informative to ensure IT infrastructure is up to par. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a nonprofit membership organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with B/Net Systems?

We needed IT support.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

B/Net Systems fulfills our daily IT needs to supplement our limited staff. They work remotely and provide round-the-clock support.

What is the team composition?

We’ve probably worked with six people.

How did you come to work with B/Net Systems?

My predecessor hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spend $40,000–$50,000 each year. 

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in January 2019 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

B/Net Systems is responsive and proactive — they’ve provided us with peace of mind.

How did B/Net Systems perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re a very thorough team, so they manage the project pretty well. Most of our communication is via email, but we have occasional meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their senior management provides a very high level of attention to the project. The B/Net Systems team genuinely tries to help us solve our technical problems.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Since everything is remote, they experience some internal miscommunication. However, that’s the only thing I can think of.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Communicate well with B/Net Systems.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a PR agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with B/Net Systems?

A lot of us work from different states. It was important to have everyone centralized online to avoid computer issues and ensure that our staff was updated and communicated with each other.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

B/Net Systems manage 12–15 computers for our company. Their efforts include keeping every computer updated and free of viruses.

What is the team composition?

We’ve been working with 3–4 people from their team.

How did you come to work with B/Net Systems?

We had other prior providers who weren’t responsive, so a partner referred them to me.

How much have you invested with them?

We invest around $10,000 a year with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2013, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re delighted with their work; they invest in trying to solve any issue that may arise.

How did B/Net Systems perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re excellent and responsive; they get the work done and provide follow-up afterward to ensure that everything is done right.

What did you find most impressive about them? 

Their consistency in providing the same representatives is great; they know who to put on our team, which helps them get familiar with our systems and our employees.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think there’s anything they can do better — they’re a great partner.

Any advice for potential customers?

It’s important that they understand your business and its needs — frank conversations are helpful to get the most out of their work.