Zeus Gray, Rust, St. Amand, Moffett & Brieske (GRSMB), an Atlanta-based law firm, partnered with Thrive to improve its Microsoft Azure Cloud experience, bolster end-user support, and address cybersecurity and compliance challenges. Thrive’s managed services revamped GRSMB’s IT infrastructure, enhanced security measures, and navigated regulatory complexities. This collaboration fortified the firm’s defenses, ensured data integrity, and positioned it for growth while strengthening client trust in the legal sector
GRSMB encountered cybersecurity and compliance challenges due to increasing client demands, requiring streamlined IT operations for secure data handling and scalability. Dissatisfied with its previous MSP’s lack of transparency and inefficient support outsourcing, which included the management of active but unused virtual machines, the company sought to enhance internal capabilities or partner with a reliable third-party provider like Thrive.
The firm’s IT goals focused on achieving a superior Azure experience, enhancing end-user security and expertise, streamlining Azure storage and backup, and establishing a technology roadmap for NextGen Technology and cybersecurity.
Why Thrive Was Chosen
Upon a colleague’s recommendation of Thrive alongside other MSPs, choosing Thrive was the clear-cut answer. Thrive’s deep expertise, comprehensive services, and reliable approach were immediately apparent. The thorough onboarding process identified critical areas for improvement, solidifying Thrive’s value proposition.
“As I interacted with the Thrive team on some of the discovery calls, we were dealing with getting the quote right and getting the right services aligned for what we needed to meet our business needs, it was just abundantly clear that I could trust these people, and that’s worth more than the money to me,” said Wesley Price, IT Director for GRSMB. “They really seem to care about the things that matter to us.”
Strategic Deployment of Advanced Security Measures
Thrive strategically deployed comprehensive solutions, including managed services for on-premises infrastructure, robust security, and Cloud services. The Thrive team overhauled the firm’s Azure setup while preserving data integrity, addressing challenges with agility, and ensuring optimal deployment of solutions and hardware. Thrive’s proactive approach boosted support and security, exceeding expectations, and enhancing the operational environment. Thrive’s services covered managed Azure, end-user security, Office 365, backup, technical advisory, and network management, significantly improving the company’s IT infrastructure and efficiency.
Thrive’s Impact
Since partnering with Thrive, GRSMB has already seen significant efficiency improvements. Even before fully transitioning to a new Citrix-based virtual machine environment, Thrive enhanced configuration and support, leading to fewer and faster issue resolutions. Previously, the law firm dealt with frequent issues that disrupted workflow, but now, operations are smoother and more productive. GRSMB employees and clients notice the difference, and the company anticipates even more significant improvements once it is fully onboarded in the new environment.
“Thrive’s responsive approach to compliance and regulatory requirements was instrumental during implementation. As a result, Thrive’s support has been crucial in maintaining client trust and ensuring our network’s security meets high standards, safeguarding our business from significant financial and reputational risks,” said Price.
“I trust the people at Thrive. They care about the things that matter to us. The technical components and services are essential, but the people at Thrive make the difference. Thrive is more than just a managed service provider. It is a trusted partner, a part of our team, enabling our organization to operate at its best.” ~ Wesley Price, IT Director, GRSMB
About Thrive
Thrive delivers global technology outsourcing for cybersecurity, Cloud, networking, and other complex IT requirements. Thrive’s NextGen platform enables customers to increase business efficiencies through standardization, scalability, and automation, delivering oversized technology returns on investment (ROI). They accomplish this with advisory services, vCISO, vCIO, consulting, project implementation, solution architects, and a best-in-class subscription-based technology platform. Thrive delivers exceptional high-touch service through its POD approach of subject matter experts and global 24x7x365 SOC, NOC, and centralized services teams. Learn more at www.thrivenextgen.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Thrive Spotlight: Tori Pazda – Director, MarketingWelcome back to another installment of our “Thrive Spotlight” blog series.
Our featured employee is Tori Pazda, Director, Marketing. Tori works closely with our EVP, Marketing to create and implement impactful marketing initiatives and strategies to ensure the success of our marketing program. She is also responsible for coordinating and organizing Thrive’s events, managing the sales and marketing budget, overseeing the marketing platforms we utilize, and training employees on how to use them effectively, all while successfully managing a team.
Tori is based in Lakeland, Florida and works out of our Lakeland office. On office days, she loves a midafternoon trip to Black and Brew, a nearby coffee shop, to get a chai latte. Outside of work, Tori enjoys strength training, and recently started running. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing games, traveling, and watching a good TV show or movie.
Hi Tori! Can you tell us about your background and how you came to Thrive?
After graduating from college, I started working at DSM Technology Consultants in 2014. In 2022, DSM was acquired by Thrive, and I joined the marketing team. I have been working in marketing for nearly 10 years now.
Where did you go to school or get training?
I attended the University of South Florida and got my BA in Mass Communications. I graduated from USF in 2013.
What do you most enjoy about working for Thrive?
THE PEOPLE! And if I could say that one thousand times, I would. I love what I do, but more importantly, I love who I do my job with.
Are there any recent exciting projects at Thrive you can tell us about?
We recently implemented a new virtual and in-person events platform that really levels up the way we handle events. I have done a lot of work to learn this platform and get it set up, so events run more efficiently and provide better ROI.
Are you interested in learning more about Thrive? Click here!
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest news, and continue checking our blog for more in our “Thrive Employee Spotlight” series. Until next time…
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Thrive Acquires The Longleaf NetworkThe Leading Next Generation Technology Services Platform Enters the Carolinas
Boston, MA, July 11, 2024 – Thrive, a global technology outsourcing provider for cybersecurity, Cloud, and IT managed services, has announced the acquisition of The Longleaf Network, a leading North Carolina-based provider. The Longleaf customers will now have access to cutting edge solutions driven by Thrive’s global Security Operation Center (SOC) & Cloud Footprint, backed by their 1,300 expert technology employees worldwide. The combination of the local North Carolina team with Thrive’s 24x7x365 service delivery mandate will greatly enhance the customer experience and provide additional technology ROI.
Thrive’s commitment has always been to continue growing, expanding, and innovating to provide the best technology solutions for their clients. With a similar culture of prioritizing customer success, The Longleaf Network will enable Thrive to expand its reach to North Carolina, giving its customers access to Thrive’s global technology outsourcing services with the dedicated level of service they’ve come to expect. Together, Thrive and The Longleaf Network will ensure that every business they work with has the resources needed to achieve their desired business outcomes while accelerating their digital transformation journeys.
“The Longleaf Network has a proven track record of bringing customer-first IT strategy and services to clients across North Carolina – a culture that resonated with us from the beginning,” said Rob Stephenson, CEO of Thrive. “The Longleaf partnership will provide us with a strong market presence in a very desirable North Carolina footprint to expand our client base via our NextGen platform.”
The acquisition comes at a time of continuous growth for Thrive, having completed ten previous acquisitions over the past two years, as well as double-digit organic growth via widespread adoption of their cybersecurity, Cloud, and managed services platform. The company continues to add to their list of offerings, including Thrive Incident Response & Remediation and Dark Web Monitoring, to ensure Thrive delivers the most advanced and beneficial solutions to their customers.
“The Triad is a vibrant market and we’re proud to be the preferred local technology outsourcing provider for so many of the businesses that drive our region’s economy,” said Trey Miller, CEO at The Longleaf Network. “Thrive’s POD approach to matching each client with subject matter experts aligns with our mission of delivering localized and customized service to every client. With Thrive’s partnership, we can deliver even better support in our local market while expanding our offerings to increase ROI for our clients.”
To learn more about Thrive, visit the website.
About Thrive
Thrive delivers global technology outsourcing for cybersecurity, Cloud, networking, and other complex IT requirements. Thrive’s NextGen platform enables customers to increase business efficiencies through standardization, scalability, and automation, delivering oversized technology returns on investment (ROI). They accomplish this with advisory services, vCISO, vCIO, consulting, project implementation, solution architects, and a best-in-class subscription-based technology platform. Thrive delivers exceptional high-touch service through its POD approach of subject matter experts and global 24x7x365 SOC, NOC, and centralized services teams. Learn more at www.thrivenextgen.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Contacts
Amanda Maguire
4 tips for combating CFO deepfakes
“You’ve taken that labor out of the steps for the threat actor,” said Michael Gray, chief technology officer at Foxborough, Mass.-based security services company Thrive. Generative AI, he noted, makes it easy to engage potential victims in conversations and allows scammers to manage hundreds of deepfake campaigns at the same time.
Thrive Spotlight: Niall Doyle – Service Delivery ManagerWelcome back to another installment of our “Thrive Spotlight” blog series.
Our featured employee is Niall Doyle, Service Delivery Manager. In his position, he manages a team of engineers on Service Desk. He sees his primary responsibility as the success of both his engineers and clients. He works to make sure he and his team provide the best service they can, grow internal skills, and work to better client environments.
Niall lives in Tewksbury, MA and works out of our Woburn, MA office. Outside of work, he likes playing board games, card games, and video games with friends. Over the summer you can find Niall and his husband camping with their two dogs!
Hi Niall! Can you tell us about your background and how you came to Thrive?
I joined Thrive nearly 8 years ago when we were owned by MetTel, shortly before the first merger that took us down this path that has turned us into an international organization.
Where did you go to school or get training?
I attended Drew University in New Jersey where I obtained my BA in Computer Science. I have gotten most of my training on the job, the majority of which has been here at Thrive. I have had the privilege to work and train with some of the finest engineers I’ve known.
What do you most enjoy about working for Thrive?
I have always gotten the most thrill out of improving someone else’s day and as an engineer, I got to help clients with their environments and restoring their service. Now as a manager, it has adapted to seeing my engineers succeed, grow, and achieve personal and professional success. It also manifests in the success of meeting with a client, hearing and addressing their concerns, and helping to improve relations between them and Thrive.
I also love Thrive’s devotion to their employees. I have been a product of Operation Rising Tide, an initiative put forth by our CEO to promote from within and provide growth opportunities to our current employees. When I first started at Thrive, I was a Field Service Engineer, then got promoted to a System Engineer, then System Administrator, and now I am a Service Delivery Manager. The opportunities to grow within Thrive and the mentors I have found here have been priceless to me.
Are there any recent exciting projects at Thrive you can tell us about?
We are constantly onboarding new clients and environments that provide access to unique and modern edge technologies.
Are you interested in learning more about Thrive? Click here!
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest news, and continue checking our blog for more in our “Thrive Employee Spotlight” series. Until next time…
Channel Brief: NinjaOne Launches Channel Program, Thrive Names Steele COOMSSP Thrive has announced Scott Steele will be the company’s new COO. Steele joins Thrive from Hewlett-Packard (HP) where he served as the VP and head of managed services systems within the Digital & Transformation organization. He played a pivotal role in transforming HP’s Managed Services Partner business with rapid global scale and expansion, according to a statement from Thrive. As COO, Steele brings expertise in operations management, digital transformation and business process automation. Steele’s new role comes at a time of rapid growth for Thrive, which has completed ten acquisitions over the past two years, as well as double-digit organic growth via widespread adoption of their platform. Congratulations!
Scott Steele Joins Thrive as Chief Operating OfficerVeteran HP executive joins leading global technology outsourcer to support long-term growth and unrivaled customer service
Boston, MA, June 26, 2024 – Thrive, a global technology outsourcing provider for cybersecurity, Cloud, and traditional managed service provider (MSP) services, today announced Scott Steele is joining the company as Chief Operating Officer. Steele will bring his expertise in operations management, digital transformation, and business process automation to help Thrive navigate the complexities of the evolving industry and ensure the company continues delivering exceptional value to clients.
Steele joins Thrive most recently from HP, where he served as the VP and Head of Managed Services Systems within the Digital & Transformation Organization. In his role, he was responsible for leading HP’s services transformation and business model enablement. Steele played a pivotal role in transforming HP’s Managed Services Partner business with rapid global scale and expansion. Prior to HP, Steele held several leadership positions in the cloud and data center solutions space at companies like Hewlett-Packard and NER Data Products.
“Thrive’s mission has always been to empower our clients to harness the promise of technology and we are constantly looking for leaders who will help us deliver on this promise, and help the company advance and reach new heights along the way,” said Bill McLaughlin, President at Thrive. “Scott’s proven track record of driving process, scale, and transformation growth at leading global organizations makes him an excellent addition to Thrive’s client-focused team where he will continue to drive innovation.
The addition of Steele comes at a time of rapid growth for Thrive, having completed ten acquisitions over the past two years, as well as double-digit organic growth via widespread adoption of their cybersecurity, Cloud, and next generation managed services platform. The company continues to release additional offerings to help clients better safeguard their business – including Thrive Incident Response & Remediation and Dark Web Monitoring.
“Throughout my career, I have been passionate about implementing business transformations grounded in the client experience and delivering outcomes that have real impact,” said Scott Steele. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the Thrive team to deliver unrivaled digital transformation services to our loyal customers.”
About Thrive
Thrive delivers global technology outsourcing for cybersecurity, Cloud, networking, and other complex IT requirements. Thrive’s NextGen platform enables customers to increase business efficiencies through standardization, scalability, and automation, delivering oversized technology returns on investment (ROI). They accomplish this with advisory services, vCISO, vCIO, consulting, project implementation, solution architects, and a best-in-class subscription-based technology platform. Thrive delivers exceptional high-touch service through its POD approach of subject matter experts and global 24x7x365 SOC, NOC, and centralized services teams. Learn more at www.thrivenextgen.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Contacts
Amanda Maguire
Thrive Fortifies Zeus Capital’s Secure Expansion in the UK Financial Services Sector Download Now
Zeus Capital, a Manchester-based investment banking firm, sought to strengthen its information security measures amid a shift towards technology integration. This case study outlines how Thrive, a trusted security partner, assisted Zeus with cost-effective cyber security assessment-tailored solutions.
Zeus faced the challenge of managing its information security with a limited internal IT team. With the company’s expansion and increasing reliance on technology, Zeus sought a solution that would provide a comprehensive assessment within budget and adhere to specific requirements. However, it needed more expertise and resources to do so internally. In the wake of significant changes, Zeus prioritised aligning its cybersecurity practices with financial services industry standards.
Why Thrive Was Chosen
Recognising the need for a trusted partner, Zeus selected Thrive based on their extensive expertise in the investment sector and proven strategic consulting capabilities. Unlike competitors pushing unnecessary services, Thrive’s commitment to understanding Zeus’s needs and fostering a long-term partnership resonated with the company’s objectives. Thrive developed a customised cybersecurity framework for Zeus, aligning it with their unique business model and risk appetite. Thrive’s receptive approach, thorough understanding of Zeus’s objectives, transparent methodology, and breadth of capabilities to further support Zeus on their cyber initiatives set them apart.
Strategic Deployment of Advanced Security Measures
As an FCA-regulated investment bank, Zeus wanted an independent third-party evaluation relating to cybersecurity to demonstrate their commitment to secure digital operations. Thrive conducted a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment for Zeus, evaluating its security policies, processes, and controls against the globally recognised CIS framework. This assessment provided Zeus with a clear understanding of its security posture and identified areas for improvement. Thrive then conducted an autonomous penetration test, a simulated cyber attack on Zeus’s systems, to identify potential security gaps and take proactive measures to address them. With this knowledge, Zeus remediated its weaknesses, presenting a robust security strategy to its board.
Thrive’s Impact
Thrive’s impact on Zeus has been transformative, affirming the effectiveness of its pre-existing security measures while identifying areas for improvement. After a thorough Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and subsequent penetration test, Thrive provided Zeus with a clear understanding of its security posture and actionable insights to mitigate risks. This reassured Zeus’s board about regulatory compliance, ensuring the company meets all necessary security standards. Additionally, Thrive’s services have enhanced staff awareness about cybersecurity, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to potential threats. Thrive’s expertise, collaborative approach, and commitment to ongoing support have enabled Zeus to enhance its security posture effectively and safeguard its business and staff from potential threats.
“Thrive’s approach was not just about ticking boxes; it was about truly understanding our security posture and helping us navigate the complexities of cybersecurity in our industry. Their partnership has been instrumental in affirming our security foundations and identifying areas for improvement,” ~ David Boulton, Head of IT at Zeus
About Thrive
Thrive delivers global technology outsourcing for cybersecurity, Cloud, networking, and other complex IT requirements. Thrive’s NextGen platform enables customers to increase business efficiencies through standardization, scalability, and automation, delivering oversized technology returns on investment (ROI). They accomplish this with advisory services, vCISO, vCIO, consulting, project implementation, solution architects, and a best-in-class subscription-based technology platform. Thrive delivers exceptional high-touch service through its POD approach of subject matter experts and global 24x7x365 SOC, NOC, and centralized services teams. Learn more at www.thrivenextgen.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Thrive Spotlight: Felix Ilionskiy – vCIOWelcome back to another installment of our “Thrive Spotlight” blog series.
Our featured employee is Felix Ilionskiy, vCIO. In his role, he discusses and develops clients’ company goals, reviews and addresses any technical challenges, reviews roadmaps to address any new developments or requirements, as well as serves as an advisor on overall security posture regarding the latest cyber security recommendations. Much of the position is working with clients to strategize long team goals and use of new advancements in technology so that any challenges can be addressed, and goals can be met to keep everything top notch. Felix is based out of Brooklyn, NY and works out of our New York City office.
Outside of work, Felix enjoys spending time with family and friends and spending weekends enjoying outdoors, art, theater, and sports. He trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and enjoys volleyball, ping-pong, scuba diving, billiards, and long walks with his dog.
Hi Felix! Can you tell us about your background and how you came to Thrive?
Since I got degrees in both computer/information science and math in college, I was planning on becoming an actuary, however I found programming to be more interesting. For about 8 years, I worked as a software developer working on accounting and reference data applications and coded in C++ programming language. I then joined InfoHedge MSP and built financial applications implementation practice to assist clients with any custom applications/integrations. I then pioneered an Application Hosting vertical within the firm to offer various Application Hosting services for accounting, trading, and portfolio management application environments. I joined Thrive by way of acquisition in the summer of 2018 and initially continued to run the Application Hosting vertical until I joined the vCIO team to provide technical advisory services to our clients.
Where did you go to school or get training?
I attended Brooklyn College where I got degrees in Computer/Information Science and Math.
What do you most enjoy about working for Thrive?
There are too many things to list but I will give you my top 3. I get to work and have full access to all Thrive teams that are SMEs in their own IT areas. I get to work on different challenges our clients are facing and come up with solutions for them. I also get to see firsthand all the new emerging technologies that Thrive integrates with and offers to our clients and trains us on. This allows me to stay up to date on all new developments which makes things interesting and gives me a challenge and ensures no two days are the same.
Are there any recent exciting projects at Thrive you can tell us about?
I am currently working on several exciting projects. We are onboarding a client that had on-prem domain and file servers and fully converting and migrating them to SharePoint Online. For another client, we are upgrading their application, database, and web server stack from Windows Server 2012 to a mix of Windows Server 2019 and 2022 versions hosted out of the ThriveCloud. I am also working on a project building out a new SS&C Geneva Application and Geneva Core environments with dedicated client Citrix environment for more streamlined remote application access.
Are you interested in learning more about Thrive? Click here!
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest news, and continue checking our blog for more in our “Thrive Employee Spotlight” series. Until next time…