Up in a Down Economy: Managed Security Services Spell Growth for Atlanta-Based Centerpoint Direct LLC

SMB Technology Services Specialist Zooms to Gold Partner Status With SonicWALL in Just Six Months


ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - February 22, 2010) -  Centerpoint Direct LLC (http://www.centerpoint3.com), a provider of IT solutions to the Atlanta SMB (small and midsized business) community, has been recognized as a premier partner by leading security firm SonicWALL, Inc. Just six months after joining SonicWALL's channel partner program, Centerpoint has rocketed to top tier status on the basis of exceptional sales of security and data recovery products and services.

A thriving nine-year-old voice, data and telephone services company, Centerpoint Direct LLC has a large established base of small and mid-sized companies in the Atlanta area, for whom they provide design, installation, and IT managed services. In 2009, Centerpoint added IT security services based on SonicWALL's industry-leading range of SMB-focused security and data management and recovery appliances. Customers have responded enthusiastically to the new offering, helping to propel Centerpoint to the highest level of SonicWALL's channel program as a Gold Medallion partner.

Centerpoint provides specialized services ranging from phone, voice and data systems to data management and recovery and all aspects of IT security. "We have built a strong customer base by helping our clients achieve business-impacting results and notable cost savings. We take the burden of IT away so that our clients can concentrate on their core business area," said Wayne Gosselin, co-founder and vice president of technical operations of Centerpoint.

"Security and data backup and recovery are two of the most complex and essential areas of IT today, since they require constant updating and monitoring to protect vital company data," he commented. "Our clients have been very receptive to our new managed security offerings. This has helped us achieve almost three times the forecast growth in 2009. We are looking forward to a great 2010."

Smaller businesses are a key target for cybercriminals, who rely on the fact that these organizations may not have the staff or expertise to deploy adequate IT security. Additionally, SMBs are affected by numerous compliance regulations mandating the security of the data that passes through their networks. Managed security services provide a simple and cost-effective way for small companies to benefit from leading solutions without having to pay a premium. 

Centerpoint is currently engaged on a communications program to help educate small business organizations in professional verticals including healthcare, education, retail, financial and professional services on the options -- including government grants. The program includes online and print collateral, seminars, and web presentations.

Four free security subscription awards
"IT managed security has proved hugely popular with our new and existing customers," added Gosselin. "To mark this runaway success, we plan to introduce an incentive where we'll offer four free 12-month IT managed security subscriptions over the next year. The first will be awarded in the second quarter of 2010.

"If a simple and affordable solution is available, why not take advantage of it to make your organization as secure and efficient as possible," concludes Gosselin. "We see this as a tremendous win-win opportunity for us and for our Atlanta businesses."

About Centerpoint, LLC
Centerpoint offers a single source of consulting and technology solutions including IT managed services and telephone systems for the Atlanta community's small and mid-sized business community. Centerpoint is dedicated to solving the unique challenges of SMBs with a full range of flexible options designed to fit the needs of this diverse market sector. More at http://www.centerpoint3.com.

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