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Custom Computer Specialists
Innovative Technological Solutions for the New Learning Paradigm
Greg Galdi, Founder and CEO; Suzanne McLaughlin, Executive Vice President of Sales and MarketingThe hasty migration to cloudbased virtual learning models via smart devices meant that little to no priority was given to securing networks. The transition created an avalanche of susceptible endpoints for cybercriminals to exploit, prompting a plague of cyberattacks that continue to this day. Subsequently, adopting more efficient cybersecurity protocols across the U.S. education system has become a top priority for the cybersecurity industry to support this rapid digital transformation effort and new tech-assisted learning model.
Custom Computer Specialists (Custom) is a leader in this space, empowering K-12 institutions to radically enhance their cyber resilience. As a leading professional service firm in the U.S., the company is well-positioned to render security solutions and technical assistance to school districts, supporting a much-needed transition from traditional tools to electronic devices. Custom provides unmatched thought leadership expertise and guidance to the K-12 community and assists them in implementing robust and innovative technology solutions to foster learning with greater impact. Since its inception in 1979, the company has guided myriad organizations—state and local governments, commercial businesses, and major schools across the Northeast—and helped them effectively address their needs for digital learning environments.
“Our strength is our people, who bring extensive experience in the education space as administrators, faculty members, and IT staff. We are passionate about making a world of difference in the K-12 space,” says Greg Galdi, Founder and CEO of Custom Computer Specialists. “Our clients are confident that we will efficiently deliver and that’s the culture we have fostered.”
Delivering Right, Promising the Best
With an experienced team of dedicated education specialists having a keen interest in community building, Custom is well positioned to solve IT issues of all sizes. Being in the industry for many decades, the company has seen all the challenges that prevent school districts from achieving operational excellence and has implemented technology solutions to alleviate them. Putting this experience into action, Custom works with clients to build a technology roadmap and implement innovative solutions that set them on the path to success.
To ensure that a solution’s implementation best meets clients’ specific needs, Custom partakes in comprehensive discussions with them to understand their environment, end user locations, and operational requirements. The information is then leveraged to assemble solutions and services that address their needs while helping build a robust security posture.
Part of this involves phishing campaigns and tabletop exercises, where the Custom team educates end users on healthy and secure ways to access the internet. The company ensures that clients always implement a defense-in-depth user protection model that offers multiple layers of protection to end users. Formulating an incidence response plan is also part of Custom’s service portfolio, allowing school districts to be prepared to combat cyber incidents.
For instance, when the pandemic first hit, K-12 institutions were required to provide teaching and learning experiences that supported learning in classrooms and remote locations. In response to this development, the company designed and built a new multi-layer learning solution for its K-12 clients called Custom Classroom, which incorporates different aspects of technology. It serves as a hybrid learning platform that enables teachers to instruct students—either at home or in the classroom—from anywhere. The Custom Classroom includes immersive video conferencing capabilities that bring students together onto one platform, enabling them to interact with peers and teachers in real-time and gain the same level of experience as in a classroom.
A Specialist Touch to Security
Its customer-oriented operations have garnered Custom a stellar reputation within the U.S. education industry as a company dedicated to its customers and the community. For one particular school district, Custom helped the client recover after a severe cyberattack in record-breaking time. The client had been operating on a fully remote model, where their end-users were instructing students remotely. At 4am one morning, the school district suspected a malicious cyberactivity over their systems. By 6am, they were under full attack. A testing period was about to begin in the state, and the client needed to get back up and running quickly. Custom immediately began the remediation processes and deployed technology solutions that brought the client back online within 24 hours, as opposed to a typical recovery process that can take weeks, if not months.
Custom also worked with the client to identify the most critical systems necessary to support their remote learning technologies and brought them back as quickly as possible. In addition, the company provided them with thought leadership and guidance to implement augmented levels of cybersecurity to protect their most vulnerable endpoints and minimize the occurrence of cyberattacks in the future.
Bringing Expertise to the Test
“Our ability to help clients embrace cutting-edge technologies and align with the changing tides has enabled us to serve and retain a broad clientele over the last 30 years,” states Suzanne McLaughlin, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Custom.
Our Ability to Help Clients Embrace Cutting-Edge Technologies and Align with The Changing Tides has Enabled us to Serve And Retain A Broad Clientele for over 40 Years
For instance, when the pandemic first hit, K-12 institutions were required to provide teaching and learning experiences that supported learning in classrooms and remote locations. In response to this development, the company designed and built a new multi-layer learning solution for its K-12 clients called Custom Classroom, which incorporates different aspects of technology. It serves as a hybrid learning platform that enables teachers to instruct students—either at home or in the classroom—from anywhere. The Custom Classroom includes immersive video conferencing capabilities that bring students together onto one platform, enabling them to interact with peers and teachers in real-time and gain the same level of experience as in a classroom.
To help school districts further enhance their remote learning experience, Custom offers a robust solution in collaboration with Infinite Campus. It serves as part of their student information system, helping school authorities track student performance and activities from an overall assessment perspective and identify how they have grown in the new remote learning environment. Custom has also established a remote learning helpdesk that provides assistance to parents and families.
“We were born with the customer service gene and we always strive to punch above our weight when it comes to delivering services to our clients,” says Galdi.
CustomHelpDesk for Education continues to be instrumental in assisting remote learning students, their parents, caregivers, and teachers to eliminate all challenges that prevent them from gaining seamless access to virtual classrooms. Whether it's a connectivity issue, a problem with accessing instructional technology and online resources, trouble communicating with teachers, or attaining an immersive experience, CustomHelpDesk covers it all. Users can connect to Custom via email or chat, raise their concerns, and get immediate assistance from its well-trained support team.
Envisioning a Secure Learning Ecosystem
Custom's innovation-first approach, industry expertise and commitment to the education space have enabled the company to stay at the forefront of delivering meaningful solutions to K-12 clients. Because of this reputation, numerous K-12 institutions in the U.S. partner with Custom year after year. Custom regularly competes with prominent national and even international players in the space by leveraging its invaluable human resources.
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Our Strength is our People, Who Bring Extensive Experience in the Education Space as Administrators, Faculty Members, and it Staff. We are Passionate about Making A World of Difference in The K-12 Space
“We were born with the customer service gene and we always strive to punch above our weight when it comes to delivering services to our clients,” says Galdi.
Looking ahead, Custom aspires to introduce even higher levels of cybersecurity and other functionalities to its solutions to ensure its clients are ready for the new digital era. To this end, the company is looking to acquire other firms while also keeping its focus on collaborating with and helping more clients, irrespective of their size and issues. Committed to supporting its clientele in the future, the company is always searching for new challenges in the market and preparing itself to help clients keep those vulnerabilities at bay. Team Custom never shies away from challenges, but always strives to stay relevant and competitive in figuring out ideal ways to mitigate them quickly to support clients' journey in today's age of digital transformation.
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Company
Custom Computer Specialists
Management
Greg Galdi, Founder and CEO; Suzanne McLaughlin, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Description
Custom Computer Specialists (CCS) is a forerunner inradically empowering K-12 institutions to enhance their cyber resilience. The company is well positioned to render security solutions and technical assistance to school districts, supporting this much-needed transition from traditional tools to electronic devices and from chalkboards to interactive whiteboards
Custom Computer Specialists News
Custom Computer Specialists Achieves Cisco Collaboration SaaS Specialization
CCS, a Leading Technology Services Provider, Announces Acquisition of Net Activity
CCS expands its footprint into the Midwest with Microsoft Gold Partner, Net Activity.
HAUPPAUGE - Custom Computer Specialists announced the successful acquisition of Net Activity, Inc. (“Net Activity”), a move that marks a significant milestone in an ongoing growth strategy to bring outstanding talent, thought leadership, technology innovation, and support to clients across the country. This strategic acquisition further positions CCS as a preeminent technology services provider, enhancing their capabilities, expanding their client base, and strengthening their commitment to delivering exceptional value to their clients.
Since 2002, Net Activity has been recognized as a leading technology services provider in the Midwest. This acquisition brings together the shared expertise, talent, and resources of two industry frontrunners.
“We are excited to welcome Net Activity's exceptional team to our organization, and we look forward to continuing the legacy for Net Activity and CCS of innovation, collaboration, and excellence on behalf of our clients,” said Jay Whitchurch, Chief Executive Officer at CCS.
Key highlights of the acquisition:
• Strengthened Client Relationships: The combined companies will serve Net Activity's existing clients and new clients in the region, ensuring a seamless transition and continued high-quality service.
• Enhanced Talent: Net Activity brings a wealth of talent, experience, and industry knowledge. When combined with CCS’ existing strong team of technology experts, a powerful combination emerges ready for ongoing growth and innovation.
• Expanded Service Offerings: This acquisition allows CCS to broaden their portfolio of services, providing a more comprehensive range of solutions to their clients, particularly around Cloud and Communications/Collaboration solutions. In turn, CCS will be able to provide Net Activity clients with an expanded set of Security, Technology Consulting, Professional Services, and Product Fulfillment solutions.
• Increased Geographic Presence: CCS will now have a stronger presence in new markets, enabling them to better serve clients throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region, while expanding into the Midwest.
“CCS maintains its unwavering dedication to prioritizing our clients' objectives and consistently delivering creative solutions that are tailored to their specific requirements. This acquisition reflects our dedication to strengthening our position while remaining true to our principles,” said Whitchurch. “As we move forward, we will focus on leveraging the combined technical and leadership capabilities of our teams to better serve our clients.”
In response to the acquisition Net Activity’s CEO, Harry Bhatia remarked, “We are thrilled to join forces with CCS. Our collective strengths will allow us to drive innovation, and provide even better service for our clients. Our shared values and vision for the future make this an exciting opportunity for all involved.”
HAUPPAUGE - Custom Computer Specialists announced the successful acquisition of Net Activity, Inc. (“Net Activity”), a move that marks a significant milestone in an ongoing growth strategy to bring outstanding talent, thought leadership, technology innovation, and support to clients across the country. This strategic acquisition further positions CCS as a preeminent technology services provider, enhancing their capabilities, expanding their client base, and strengthening their commitment to delivering exceptional value to their clients.
Since 2002, Net Activity has been recognized as a leading technology services provider in the Midwest. This acquisition brings together the shared expertise, talent, and resources of two industry frontrunners.
“We are excited to welcome Net Activity's exceptional team to our organization, and we look forward to continuing the legacy for Net Activity and CCS of innovation, collaboration, and excellence on behalf of our clients,” said Jay Whitchurch, Chief Executive Officer at CCS.
Key highlights of the acquisition:
• Strengthened Client Relationships: The combined companies will serve Net Activity's existing clients and new clients in the region, ensuring a seamless transition and continued high-quality service.
• Enhanced Talent: Net Activity brings a wealth of talent, experience, and industry knowledge. When combined with CCS’ existing strong team of technology experts, a powerful combination emerges ready for ongoing growth and innovation.
• Expanded Service Offerings: This acquisition allows CCS to broaden their portfolio of services, providing a more comprehensive range of solutions to their clients, particularly around Cloud and Communications/Collaboration solutions. In turn, CCS will be able to provide Net Activity clients with an expanded set of Security, Technology Consulting, Professional Services, and Product Fulfillment solutions.
• Increased Geographic Presence: CCS will now have a stronger presence in new markets, enabling them to better serve clients throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region, while expanding into the Midwest.
“CCS maintains its unwavering dedication to prioritizing our clients' objectives and consistently delivering creative solutions that are tailored to their specific requirements. This acquisition reflects our dedication to strengthening our position while remaining true to our principles,” said Whitchurch. “As we move forward, we will focus on leveraging the combined technical and leadership capabilities of our teams to better serve our clients.”
In response to the acquisition Net Activity’s CEO, Harry Bhatia remarked, “We are thrilled to join forces with CCS. Our collective strengths will allow us to drive innovation, and provide even better service for our clients. Our shared values and vision for the future make this an exciting opportunity for all involved.”
CCS, a Leading Technology Services Provider, Announces the Acquisition of Info Solutions
CCS Continues Growth in the Mid-Atlantic with Latest Acquisition
HAUPPAUGE - Custom Computer Specialists (“CCS”) today announced its latest strategic move with the acquisition of Info Solutions. This announcement, following CCS’s recent acquisitions of Net Activity, Clarity Technology Group, and Local Stratus marks yet another pivotal milestone in its trajectory of expansion and enhanced capacity to offer more comprehensive solutions to clients nationwide. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Info Solutions is a growing technology infrastructure consulting, integration and management firm renowned for its market-leading expertise and services to state and local government, education, and commercial clients in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Through this acquisition, Info Solutions will merge their expertise in technology infrastructure consulting, network design/management, unified communications, cloud /on-premise infrastructure solutions, and managed services with CCS, creating a powerhouse team of close to 450 technology-centric professionals. Together, they will leverage their skills, expertise, innovation, and diverse service offering to cater to clients spanning industries across a vast geographic expanse extending from Maine to Florida and from North Carolina to Indiana.
Jay Whitchurch, Chief Executive Officer at CCS expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Our primary aim is to empower clients in achieving exceptional business results through a robust technology infrastructure, granting them a competitive edge. Info Solutions shares this longstanding commitment, rendering our collaboration a seamless and potent alliance. This synergy promises significant benefits for both existing and prospective clients, facilitating the expansion of CCS's reach and influence across diverse geographical regions."
Info Solutions stands out as one of the Mid-Atlantic's fastest-growing Technology Services entities. Since its inception, the team at Info Solutions has fostered not just a thriving business but also a culture that yields favorable outcomes for both clients and staff. Now integrated within the expansive framework of CCS, the Info Solutions team remains steadfast in delivering top-tier technological solutions to established and prospective clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Info Solutions’ Managing Partners Richard Roux and William Riley will continue to lead the Info Solutions organization within CCS. Reacting to the acquisition, Richard expressed enthusiasm, stating, "The prospect of uniting with CCS is exciting for our team and our clients. By combining our strengths, we're poised to spearhead innovation and elevate service standards for our valued clients.” William added, “We are very proud of the company foundation that has been building for the past 16 years. What we accomplished would not have been possible without our phenomenal team and loyal clients. We look forward to adding our value to the foundation CCS has built over their 45+ years in business and helping deliver on the vision created by Jay and the CCS team."
CriticalPoint served as exclusive financial advisor to Info Solutions.
HAUPPAUGE - Custom Computer Specialists (“CCS”) today announced its latest strategic move with the acquisition of Info Solutions. This announcement, following CCS’s recent acquisitions of Net Activity, Clarity Technology Group, and Local Stratus marks yet another pivotal milestone in its trajectory of expansion and enhanced capacity to offer more comprehensive solutions to clients nationwide. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Info Solutions is a growing technology infrastructure consulting, integration and management firm renowned for its market-leading expertise and services to state and local government, education, and commercial clients in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Through this acquisition, Info Solutions will merge their expertise in technology infrastructure consulting, network design/management, unified communications, cloud /on-premise infrastructure solutions, and managed services with CCS, creating a powerhouse team of close to 450 technology-centric professionals. Together, they will leverage their skills, expertise, innovation, and diverse service offering to cater to clients spanning industries across a vast geographic expanse extending from Maine to Florida and from North Carolina to Indiana.
Jay Whitchurch, Chief Executive Officer at CCS expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Our primary aim is to empower clients in achieving exceptional business results through a robust technology infrastructure, granting them a competitive edge. Info Solutions shares this longstanding commitment, rendering our collaboration a seamless and potent alliance. This synergy promises significant benefits for both existing and prospective clients, facilitating the expansion of CCS's reach and influence across diverse geographical regions."
Info Solutions stands out as one of the Mid-Atlantic's fastest-growing Technology Services entities. Since its inception, the team at Info Solutions has fostered not just a thriving business but also a culture that yields favorable outcomes for both clients and staff. Now integrated within the expansive framework of CCS, the Info Solutions team remains steadfast in delivering top-tier technological solutions to established and prospective clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Info Solutions’ Managing Partners Richard Roux and William Riley will continue to lead the Info Solutions organization within CCS. Reacting to the acquisition, Richard expressed enthusiasm, stating, "The prospect of uniting with CCS is exciting for our team and our clients. By combining our strengths, we're poised to spearhead innovation and elevate service standards for our valued clients.” William added, “We are very proud of the company foundation that has been building for the past 16 years. What we accomplished would not have been possible without our phenomenal team and loyal clients. We look forward to adding our value to the foundation CCS has built over their 45+ years in business and helping deliver on the vision created by Jay and the CCS team."
CriticalPoint served as exclusive financial advisor to Info Solutions.
HAUPPAUGE - Custom Computer Specialists (“Custom”), a leading technology solutions provider, announced today that it has met all program requirements and criteria to earn the Cisco SaaS Collaboration Specialization for the second consecutive year. This specialization recognizes Custom as having again fulfilled the training requirements and program prerequisites to sell, deploy and support the best meeting solutions for their customers.
"Custom is steadfastly invested in the people, processes, and technology that help clients drive business productivity,” said Jay Whitchurch, CEO of Custom Computer Specialists. "With technology playing a more foundational role than ever before in the innerworkings of our society, it is important that an organization works with partners that are able to deliver robust, collaboration solutions. It is an honor to receive this distinction from a great partner like Cisco.”
As a Cisco Collaboration SaaS Specialization partner, Custom has demonstrated its ability to provide sophisticated, value-added Cisco solutions through in-depth sales capabilities, technology skills and service offerings. Cisco Collaboration SaaS Specialization partners work with new and existing technologies to align components of these architectures with their customers’ strategic goals, helping transform business processes, boost organizational efficiency and accelerate the time to market.