The healthcare sector’s AI ambitions are accelerating, from augmented telehealth and diagnostics to streamlined billing, claims, and scheduling. But as health systems integrate AI deeper into their workflows, one critical question often gets overlooked: How secure are the models themselves? For CIOs and CISOs, the risk goes far beyond traditional data breaches. AI models fine-tuned on patient health information, imaging, electronic health records, or claims data can become open gateways to HIPAA-protected content.
When IT Needs Support…With the ability to create and creatively employ leading-edge technologies, IT companies and departments seemingly have all the methods and answers to resolve customers’ issues to provide excellent customer experiences (CXs).
But there are occasions when even the best IT firms need a little help.
Unpacking the UK’s new Cyber Action Plan and what it means for security“Establishing a dedicated Cyber Unit to coordinate risk management and incident response takes these benefits a step further, making it easier for organisations and departments across the public sector to share intelligence, apply consistent standards and act quickly and effectively when incidents occur, reducing disruption to essential services,” commented Ian Bowell, virtual CISO at Thrive.
Thrive Spotlight: Jamie Davey – Service Delivery ManagerWelcome back to another installment of our “Thrive Spotlight” blog series.
Our featured employee is Jamie Davey. Jamie manages the UK 02 Pod which provides end-user support for a wide range of clients. In his role, he oversees the day-to-day operations of his team, ensuring high-quality service delivery, and offering his supporting so they can meet client needs efficiently and effectively.
When he’s not in the Nottingham office, Jamie enjoys playing games, taking his dog on long walks through the British countryside, and (not surprisingly!) tinkering with PCs. He likes the creative side of building and customizing PC setups – he looks at it as both a hobby and a way to keep learning. Jamie recognises that it’s important to switch off and recharge, which he does by getting out in nature and exploring new places with his dog.
Hi Jamie! Can you tell us about your background and how you came to Thrive?
I started my journey almost 10 years ago when I joined a company called Custard as an apprentice at just 18 years old. Over the years, I worked my way up through various roles, constantly learning and developing my skills. Custard was acquired by Thrive and I’ve since continued to grow within the company, eventually progressing to the role of Service Delivery Manager. It’s been a rewarding journey and I’m proud to be part of the Thrive team.
Where did you go to school or get training?
I completed my training through an apprenticeship when I first joined Custard. It was a great way to gain hands-on experience while developing my skills in a real working environment, and it laid the foundation for the career I’ve built today. I’ve continued to learn and grow by gaining qualifications throughout my career, which has helped me progress and take on new challenges along the way.
What do you most enjoy about working for Thrive?
What I love most about working at Thrive is the incredible culture and the amazing people I get to work with every day. There’s such a positive, supportive atmosphere that really brings out the best in everyone. I also really value the constant opportunities to learn and grow, there’s always something new to get involved with, and plenty of chances to progress and challenge yourself.
Are there any recent exciting projects at Thrive you can tell us about?
One exciting project I’ve recently been involved in is a new initiative bringing together people from across all regions of the UK to share ideas on how we can make Thrive the best place to work. It’s all about strengthening and building on the amazing culture we already have. It’s been great to collaborate with colleagues from different teams and regions, all working towards the same goal of making Thrive an even better place for everyone.
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Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news, and continue checking our blog for more in our “Thrive Employee Spotlight” series. Until next time…
Thrive Honors 2026 Outstanding Partner Award WinnersAnnual awards program recognizes exceptional partner collaborations
Boston, Jan. 7, 2026 – Thrive, a global technology outsourcing provider for cybersecurity, cloud, and IT managed services, today announced the winners of its Outstanding Partner Awards. Thrive is pleased to recognize Avant Communications as Technology Solutions Distributor (TSD) of the Year, Data Technology Brokers as Partner of the Year, and Bridgepointe Technologies as Challenger of the Year.
Thrive partners with the industry’s best-in-class technology and channel companies, enabling it to build, deliver, and support the superior NextGen 3.0 managed services its customers have come to expect. The company’s annual Outstanding Partner Awards honor Thrive’s partners who exemplify collaboration, innovation, and shared success that define its partner ecosystem. The winners of the 2026 Outstanding Partner Awards demonstrated significant contributions that allowed Thrive to continue to drive innovation and growth for its customers. Winners include:
- AVANT Communications, recognized for the second year in a row for TSD of the year, is a platform for IT decision-making and one of the nation’s premier Technology Services Distributors. AVANT helps Thrive keep ahead of the accelerating pace of change by providing the resources and relationships needed to navigate the ever-changing world of communications and IT infrastructure successfully.
- Data Technology Brokers, an innovative IT consulting firm, is recognized as Partner of the Year. Data Technology Brokers partners with Thrive to offer efficient, networking, voice, managed Services, cybersecurity, and AI— all backed by a risk-free consultation approach.
- Bridgepointe Technologies, one of the nation’s leading tech advisory firms, is recognized as the Challenger of the Year. Bridgepointe is a trusted partner to Thrive, bringing a breadth and depth of technical expertise, so all customers’ technology journeys are seamless and stress-free. The company was recognized for Partner of the Year in 2025.
“We’re proud to honor partners who consistently go above and beyond to deliver meaningful results and move our industry forward. This year’s recipients of the Outstanding Partner Awards have made an extraordinary impact on the customers we serve together,” said Bill McLaughlin, CEO of Thrive. “Avant Communications, Bridgepointe Technologies, and Data Technology Brokers all share our mission of providing exceptional services to enable our customers to focus on innovation and results.”
To learn more about how Thrive and its partners support businesses in their digital transformation journey, visit the website.
About Thrive
Thrive is a NextGen 3.0 global technology outsourcing provider that empowers small and mid-market organizations to transform their technology into a strategic advantage. Offering a breadth of services from AI and cybersecurity to cloud, compliance, and traditional MSP/MSSP solutions, Thrive’s team of seasoned experts develop strategies that standardize, scale, and automate technology to achieve outsized ROI. From advisory services to a 24×7×365 SOC and NOC, Thrive provides end-to-end IT and cybersecurity management so clients can focus on innovation and growth. With Thrive, your business is always supported and always secure. Learn more at www.thrivenextgen.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Contacts
Hannah Johnston
The Boston Celtics Choose to Thrive!Case Study:
Challenge
To increase performance during regular and post-season basketball, NBA team, the Boston Celtics, have invested in a high-grade practice facility, the Red Auerbach Center. The 77,000 square foot facility houses two basketball courts with seating for audiences near 200, along with state-of-the-art media and sports medicine rooms. The difficult task facing the Celtics and Thrive was ensuring that the facility’s IT infrastructure would be able to support the various functions of the space, be secure and also perform at peak efficiency by a stringent grand opening deadline. The enormity of the task at hand included complete networking and security of the media room, and meeting strict compliance requirements for the health center.
Solution
Thrive’s consulting and project management teams partnered with the Celtics’ CTO, Jay Wessland, and his IT Team to create a strategic security plan, as well as a roadmap for the implementation of the center’s hosted environment. The solutions included a business continuity plan powered by Veeam, fully managed Meraki Networking Infrastructure and the successful implementation of a Microsoft Office 365 environment. Overall, the project took numerous hours of careful assessment, engineering and implementation, and was successfully completed in time for the grand opening on June 19, 2018.
Result
The solutions provided by Thrive have helped Mr. Wessland maintain a fully operational and secure facility since its opening in 2018 and allow his IT team focus on the daily operational needs that come with managing the technology of a professional sports team. The Red Auerbach Center is equipped to handle the demands that come with its multifaceted use.
“The Boston Celtics have been working with Thrive for over 14 years. We value the technical expertise they bring as an extension of our IT team. With the additional assistance and expertise of Thrive, we were able to open the Auerbach Center on time, despite the complexity of the project. They continue to provide 24×7 NextGen managed services that enable me and my team to focus on the unique elements and needs of a professional sports organization.” ~ Jay Wessland, CTO
How can Thrive help your business?
Thrive is a leading provider of outsourced IT Infrastructure designed to drive successful business outcomes with our talented engineering teams and suite of Cloud-First, NextGen Managed Services.
To learn more about our services, CONTACT US
Tech Executive leads year-round campaign to improve health in New York CityBill McLaughlin named 2025-26 American Heart Association Heart of New York City Chair
NEW YORK, NY, January 6, 2026 – Through the Heart of New York City campaign, Bill McLaughlin, volunteer chair and CEO of Thrive will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in New York City and beyond has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. The Heart of New York City engages companies, community leaders, and individuals to make a lasting impact across the four chambers of the American Heart Association’s work: discovery, advocacy, access, and knowledge.
Thrive’s $1B Ambition, OpenAI Investment, and AI Automation Push Highlight a Shift in Who Controls “Good IT”Announced in a press release, Thrive, a global technology outsourcing provider, is targeting a $1 billion market position by the end of 2029, following strong revenue growth throughout 2025. The company has executed 27 acquisitions since its inception, including five in 2025, which have expanded its geographic reach and service depth. According to CEO Bill McLaughlin, Thrive focuses on allowing businesses to concentrate on their core operations by addressing their technology needs.
Driving Innovation and Scale: Thrive Targets $1 Billion Market PositionLeading global NextGen 3.0 solution provider maintains strong momentum as year-end approaches
Boston, MA, December 17, 2025—Thrive, a global technology outsourcing provider for cybersecurity, cloud, and IT managed services, today announced that it has continued its strong and steady revenue growth throughout 2025, with positive momentum even before the year’s close. With a proven track record of delivering high-quality services that address critical technology needs, paired with a best-in-class customer experience, Thrive is poised to build on this performance and advance toward its goal of becoming a $1B company by the end of 2029.
“2025 saw rapid technological evolution, changing market dynamics, and increased cyber risks. Through it all, companies still need to operate, sell, and grow,” said Bill McLaughlin, CEO of Thrive. “Thrive comes in to remove the distraction that technology can often cause so that businesses can focus on what they do best. The customer at the center approach, paired with our talented team, has been key to achieving our goals and will carry our success far into the future.”
Growth Through Acquisition
Thrive has completed 27 acquisitions since its founding, making it a key pillar of its growth strategy. In 2025 alone, Thrive bought five companies, expanding both its geographic footprint and depth of services:
- Secured Network Services, expanding Thrive’s New England presence and its ability to address industry-specific needs across healthcare, government, non-profits, and more;
- Abacode, deepening Thrive’s compliance and GRC capabilities;
- Baroan Technologies, strengthening Thrive’s growing footprint in the New Jersey and Tri-state area;
- VitalCORE and Worksighted, establishing multiple locations in the Midwest, as the company continues its westward expansion.
Between organic growth and acquisition, Thrive’s global headcount has increased 15% since the start of the year, and its customer count has increased 10%, serving as a major contributing factor to the company’s record growth.
Expanded Services, Innovation, & Partnerships
Thrive’s capacity to deliver advanced client solutions and security is unparalleled in the MSP/MSSP industry. Over the last 12 months, Thrive has vastly expanded its offerings and doubled down on its commitment to meeting customers where they are and getting ahead of future technology challenges. Thrive invested over $100M building its NextGen 3.0 platform capabilities, ensuring it can provide the most robust and seamless experiences for its customers. In addition, the company continues to invest in innovative technologies, including over $10M in AI alone.
Thrive’s NextGen platform is built on ServiceNow, the leading platform for Enterprise technology service providers, and consistently integrates the latest solutions—including AI, automation, and digital experience (DEX) to support operations and deliver exceptional user experiences. Thrive is one of the few companies aligned with Gartner MESH (CSMA) architecture, allowing for optimal security, visibility, intelligence and effectiveness, ensuring customers are protected from all angles.
Additions made to Thrive’s portfolio of offerings this year include:
- Managed AI Services: Thrive’s Managed AI services support businesses across the entire AI adoption journey. This offering provides customers with a dedicated team of experts to help build and implement AI strategy at scale, including everything from use case identification to security to data and AI Assessment tools.
- Thrive Client Portal: With the new portal—just launched last week—Thrive customers gain access to a central dashboard that shares insight into all the services they are using, where they can renew products, submit security tickets, and more.
- Network Detection and Response: This service uses AI-driven analytics to monitor network traffic in real-time and help clients detect and stop cybersecurity breaches before they cause damage. This offering adds a new layer to Thrive’s existing security portfolio, complementing its Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) services to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end protection for customer IT environments.
- Compliance Center: Thrive’s Compliance Center provides mid-market businesses and public sector organizations with valuable content tailored to vertical-specific needs and international regulations, providing comprehensive support for diverse industries.
New Leadership for the New Era
Since Bill McLaughlin was appointed CEO in February, he has built a strong leadership team that’s dedicated to Thrive’s mission of delivering exceptional services and support to customers, while focusing on the company’s continued growth and success. Over the past several months, Bill has appointed Nicholas Smolansky as Chief Legal Officer, Kimberly Saturley as Chief People Officer, Ben Reich as Chief Financial Officer, and Kirti Gavri as SVP of Corporate Development to lead the charge on the company’s acquisition strategy. Farhad Jowharsha and Naveen Chodavarapu were also brought on as Regional Vice Presidents to bolster operations and grow Thrive’s presence in the APAC region.
This year also marked recognitions for other key leaders in the organization, including Jonathan Philipsen, EVP of Channel & Alliances, being recognized as a CRN 2025 Channel Chief and Kristina O’Connell, Chief Marketing Officer, being named a finalist for CRN’s Women of the Year.
Industry Recognition
In addition to Thrive’s leaders being recognized by industry groups, the company as a whole took home over a dozen industry awards throughout the year, highlighting its innovative services, impressive growth, and extraordinary partnerships, including:
- Being named Cloud Service Provider of the Year for both Private Equity Wire Awards 2025 and Hedgeweek® Global Digital Assets Awards 2025, showing the power of Thrive’s solutions within a key vertical. Thrive was also shortlisted for the With Intelligence HFM US Services Awards for Best Managed IT Service Provider.
- Placing #10 on the Boston Business Journal’s Fast 50 list and landing on the 5000 list for the ninth consecutive year, both of which require you to show impressive growth over time.
- Landing on Maine’s Best Places to Work list, a nod toward Thrive’s dedication to company culture, both locally and company-wide.
- Receiving partner accolades, such as KnowBe4’s MSP Breakout Partner of the Year and Fortinet’s Security Operations Partner of the Year 2024.
- Securing inclusion on CRN’s 2025 Tech Elite 250 and CRN’s Solution Provider 500 lists, solidifying Channel leadership.
- Recognized at major managed services events, such as Avant Special Forces Summit’s Top Vendor Program and being named Top Supplier for Cybersecurity 2024 at the Telarus Partner Summit.
- Winning the MSP 501/Channel Partners Summit 2025’s MSP of the Year Award.
To learn more about Thrive and its award-winning services, visit the website.
About Thrive
Thrive is a NextGen 3.0 global technology outsourcing provider that empowers small and mid-market organizations to transform their technology into a strategic advantage. Offering a breadth of services from AI and cybersecurity to cloud, compliance, and traditional MSP/MSSP solutions, Thrive’s team of seasoned experts develop strategies that standardize, scale, and automate technology to achieve outsized ROI. From advisory services to a 24×7×365 SOC and NOC, Thrive provides end-to-end IT and cybersecurity management so clients can focus on innovation and growth. With Thrive, your business is always supported and always secure. Learn more at www.thrivenextgen.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Contacts
Hannah Johnston
50+ Expert Predictions: Ways to Drive Agentic AI, Data Governance, and Security in 2026Last year, many of us were introduced to agentic AI. In recent articles, I shared 50+ AI agents from top-tier SaaS and security companies, as well as another 30 from growing startups.
AI is reshaping business, but it isn’t transformational yet. In the 50+ expert predictions I captured for this article, you’ll see how AI impacts CX, DevOps, and C-level leadership, which will help drive the transformation. Other predictions on AI, data governance, security, and IT Ops outline what businesses must prioritize to enable compliant, safe, and ethical AI.