Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What does BTSI do?

Accepted Answer

BTSI is a vendor-neutral technology consulting firm. We help businesses source, procure, and manage IT solutions — including network, cloud, cybersecurity, managed services, unified communications, and more — from a curated network of 220+ vetted providers. We act as your trusted advisor, comparing options objectively and managing the relationship on your behalf.

Question 2

How much does BTSI charge for its consulting services?

Accepted Answer

Initial consultations and technology assessments are always free. BTSI is compensated by the providers we place business with, similar to how an insurance broker works. This means you get expert, unbiased guidance at no direct cost to your organization.

Question 3

What makes BTSI different from going directly to a vendor?

Accepted Answer

When you go directly to a vendor, you only see their solutions. BTSI compares dozens of providers side by side, negotiates on your behalf using our volume buying power, and manages the ongoing relationship — so you get the best fit at the best price, with a single point of accountability.

Question 4

How many providers does BTSI work with?

Accepted Answer

BTSI has relationships with 220+ vetted technology providers across every major category — network, cloud, cybersecurity, managed services, unified communications, physical security, IoT, and more. Every provider in our network has been evaluated for financial stability, service quality, and support responsiveness.

Question 5

Is BTSI tied to any specific vendor or carrier?

Accepted Answer

No. BTSI is completely vendor-neutral. We have no ownership stake in any provider and receive no preferential compensation that would bias our recommendations. Our only incentive is to find the solution that best fits your needs — that's what keeps clients coming back.

Question 6

What does the engagement process look like?

Accepted Answer

It typically starts with a free discovery call to understand your environment, challenges, and goals. From there, we conduct a technology assessment, develop a shortlist of solutions, present a side-by-side comparison, and manage procurement and implementation once you've made a decision. We stay engaged post-deployment for ongoing support and SLA management.

Question 7

How long does it take to get a recommendation?

Accepted Answer

For most engagements, we can deliver an initial set of recommendations within 5–10 business days of completing the discovery and assessment phase. Complex multi-site or multi-category projects may take longer, but we'll set clear expectations upfront.

Question 8

Can BTSI help with an existing contract or service I'm unhappy with?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly help clients review existing contracts, identify renewal leverage points, and transition to better-fit solutions when the time is right. Even if you're mid-contract, we can assess your options and build a transition plan.

Question 9

Do you only work with large enterprises?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. We work with organizations of all sizes — from 10-person professional services firms to multi-national enterprises with thousands of locations. Our provider network includes solutions purpose-built for SMBs as well as global enterprise platforms.

Question 10

Can BTSI manage multiple technology categories at once?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many clients engage us across several categories simultaneously — for example, a network refresh combined with a cloud migration and a UCaaS rollout. Having a single advisor across categories reduces complexity and ensures the solutions work together cohesively.

Question 11

What technology categories does BTSI cover?

Accepted Answer

BTSI covers a broad range of enterprise technology categories including: Network & Voice (SD-WAN, MPLS, SIP trunking), Unified Communications & Collaboration (UCaaS, video, team messaging), Cloud Compute & Infrastructure, Cybersecurity (MSSP, SIEM, Zero Trust, EDR), Managed IT Services, Contact Center & CX, Mobility, IoT & AI, Physical Security, and Television & Digital Signage.

Question 12

Does BTSI handle implementation, or just procurement?

Accepted Answer

Both. Depending on the solution and provider, BTSI can manage the full lifecycle — from assessment and procurement through implementation, cutover, and ongoing managed operations. We stay involved as long as you need us.

Question 13

Can BTSI help us move from on-premise infrastructure to the cloud?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cloud migration is one of our most common engagements. We help clients evaluate public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid options; select the right providers; and manage the migration process — whether that's compute, storage, voice, or collaboration workloads.

Question 14

Do you offer cybersecurity services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. BTSI sources and manages a full range of cybersecurity solutions including Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP), SIEM and SOC services, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR), compliance frameworks, and incident response. We compare providers objectively to match your risk profile and budget.

Question 15

Can BTSI support multi-location or global deployments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have provider relationships that cover domestic and international deployments. Whether you need consistent connectivity across 5 branch offices or a global WAN spanning multiple continents, we can source and manage the right solution.

Question 16

How is BTSI compensated if the consultation is free?

Accepted Answer

BTSI earns a commission from the technology providers we place business with — similar to how a mortgage broker or insurance agent is compensated. This model means our services come at no direct cost to you, and our incentive is always to find the best long-term fit (since our reputation depends on client satisfaction).

Question 17

Will I pay more by going through BTSI than going direct?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, you'll pay the same or less. Because BTSI aggregates volume across many clients, we often have access to pricing tiers and promotional rates that aren't available to individual buyers. We also negotiate on your behalf, which frequently results in better contract terms.

Question 18

Are there any long-term commitments required to work with BTSI?

Accepted Answer

No. There's no retainer or long-term commitment required to engage BTSI for a consultation or assessment. The contracts you sign are with the technology providers, not with us — and we help you negotiate the most favorable terms possible.

Question 19

Can BTSI help us reduce our current technology spend?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A technology spend audit is one of the most common starting points for new clients. We review your current contracts, identify redundancies, and find opportunities to consolidate or renegotiate — often delivering meaningful cost savings before any new solutions are introduced.

Question 20

What is a managed services provider (MSP)?

Accepted Answer

A managed services provider (MSP) is a third-party company that remotely manages a business's IT infrastructure and end-user systems under a proactive, subscription-based model. Unlike traditional break-fix IT support — where you call someone when something breaks — an MSP monitors your environment continuously, applies patches, manages security, and resolves issues before they affect your operations. Core MSP services typically include 24/7 network monitoring, help desk support, patch management, backup and disaster recovery, endpoint security, and strategic IT planning.

Question 21

What is the difference between an MSP and an IT consultant?

Accepted Answer

An IT consultant typically provides project-based or advisory services — assessing your environment, recommending solutions, or managing a specific implementation. A managed services provider (MSP) takes ongoing operational responsibility for your IT infrastructure under a recurring contract. BTSI operates as a vendor-neutral IT consultant: we help you evaluate and select the right MSP for your business, negotiate the contract, and manage the relationship on your behalf — without being tied to any single provider.

Question 22

How do I choose the right managed services provider for my business?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right MSP requires evaluating eight key criteria: (1) SLA structure — response time vs. resolution time commitments and financial penalties for misses; (2) technician-to-client ratio — industry benchmark is 1:50 to 1:75 endpoints; (3) onboarding process and documentation standards; (4) security depth — EDR vs. legacy AV, SIEM, vulnerability management, and incident response capabilities; (5) proactive vs. reactive operating model; (6) vertical experience and compliance familiarity (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, CMMC); (7) contract terms including data ownership and exit provisions; and (8) financial stability and cyber liability insurance. BTSI helps businesses run this evaluation across our network of vetted MSPs at no cost.

Question 23

How much does a managed services provider typically cost?

Accepted Answer

MSP pricing varies significantly by scope, company size, and geography. Most MSPs price on a per-device or per-user basis. Per-device pricing typically ranges from $25–$75 per endpoint per month for basic monitoring and help desk, up to $100–$200 per endpoint for full-service managed IT including security operations. Per-user pricing typically ranges from $75–$150 per user per month for a comprehensive managed services package. Factors that affect pricing include the number of locations, compliance requirements, after-hours coverage needs, and whether security operations are included. BTSI can benchmark pricing for your specific environment and negotiate on your behalf.

Question 24

What should be included in a managed services agreement?

Accepted Answer

A well-structured managed services agreement (MSA) should clearly define: the scope of covered services and devices; SLA commitments for response and resolution time by priority level; escalation procedures and on-call contacts; patch management cadence and approval process; backup frequency, retention policy, and tested recovery procedures; security tools and responsibilities; reporting cadence and format; pricing, term length, and renewal terms; data ownership and documentation portability upon termination; transition assistance obligations; and cyber liability insurance requirements. BTSI reviews and negotiates MSP contracts on behalf of clients to ensure these provisions are in place.

Question 25

What is the difference between co-managed IT and fully managed IT?

Accepted Answer

Fully managed IT means the MSP takes complete operational responsibility for your IT environment — your internal team handles no day-to-day IT operations. Co-managed IT (also called co-managed services) is a hybrid model where the MSP supplements an existing internal IT team, taking on specific functions like 24/7 monitoring, security operations, or help desk overflow while your internal staff handles strategic projects, vendor relationships, or specialized systems. Co-managed IT is common in mid-market companies that have an IT director or small internal team but need additional depth and coverage.

Question 26

What questions should I ask an MSP before signing a contract?

Accepted Answer

Before signing with an MSP, ask: What is your technician-to-client ratio? Is your help desk in-house or outsourced? What EDR platform do you deploy — and is it included or an add-on? What happens to my documentation if I leave? What constitutes a P1 incident and what is your committed resolution time? Can I see a sample quarterly business review report? What is your process when a client's issue falls outside your expertise? Walk me through your last major outage — what happened and how did you resolve it? What cyber liability insurance do you carry and what are the coverage limits? BTSI can facilitate these conversations and evaluate responses on your behalf.

Question 27

What is SD-WAN and how is it different from MPLS?

Accepted Answer

SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) is a technology that uses software to intelligently route traffic across multiple transport connections — including broadband internet, LTE, and MPLS — based on real-time application performance. Traditional MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a dedicated, carrier-managed circuit that provides predictable performance but at significantly higher cost and with less flexibility. SD-WAN typically reduces WAN costs by 40–70% compared to MPLS-only architectures while improving application performance through dynamic path selection. Most enterprises today use a hybrid approach: SD-WAN over broadband for general traffic with MPLS or dedicated fiber retained for latency-sensitive applications.

Question 28

What is UCaaS and how does it differ from traditional VoIP?

Accepted Answer

UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) is a cloud-delivered platform that integrates voice calling, video conferencing, team messaging, file sharing, and contact center capabilities into a single application. Traditional VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) refers specifically to voice calls delivered over an internet connection, typically replacing a traditional PBX phone system. UCaaS is a superset of VoIP — it includes voice but also integrates the collaboration tools modern workforces depend on. Leading UCaaS platforms include Microsoft Teams, RingCentral, Zoom Phone, Webex Calling, and 8x8. BTSI compares UCaaS providers across pricing, feature depth, reliability, and integration with your existing systems.

Question 29

What is POTS replacement and why is it urgent?

Accepted Answer

POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) refers to the traditional copper telephone network that has served businesses for over a century. Major carriers including AT&T, Lumen, and Frontier have received FCC approval to discontinue copper POTS service, with most sunset timelines running through 2025–2028. Businesses still relying on POTS lines for voice, fax, alarm systems, elevator phones, or point-of-sale terminals need to migrate to modern alternatives — including VoIP, cellular backup, or fiber-based solutions — before their carrier discontinues service. Life safety systems (fire alarms, elevator phones) require particular care during migration to maintain compliance. BTSI helps businesses audit their POTS exposure and develop a compliant migration plan.

Question 30

What is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and does my business need it?

Accepted Answer

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a security framework based on the principle of never trust, always verify — meaning no user or device is granted access to network resources by default, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the corporate network. Unlike traditional VPN-based remote access, ZTNA grants access to specific applications rather than the entire network, dramatically reducing the blast radius of a compromised credential. ZTNA is increasingly considered a baseline security requirement for businesses with remote workers, cloud applications, or compliance obligations. BTSI sources and compares ZTNA solutions from providers including Zscaler, Palo Alto Prisma, Cloudflare, and others.

Question 31

What is the difference between a public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud?

Accepted Answer

A public cloud is infrastructure owned and operated by a third-party provider (AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud) and shared across multiple customers. Resources are provisioned on demand and billed by consumption. A private cloud is dedicated infrastructure — either on-premises or hosted in a colocation facility — used exclusively by one organization, offering greater control and compliance suitability. A hybrid cloud combines public and private cloud resources, allowing workloads to move between environments based on cost, performance, and compliance requirements. Most enterprise organizations operate in a hybrid model. BTSI helps businesses design the right cloud architecture and select providers across all three models.

Question 32

What is the difference between EDR and traditional antivirus?

Accepted Answer

Traditional antivirus software detects known threats by comparing files against a database of known malware signatures. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) uses behavioral analysis and machine learning to detect threats based on suspicious activity patterns — including novel malware, fileless attacks, and lateral movement that signature-based tools miss entirely. EDR platforms also provide forensic visibility into what happened during an incident, enabling faster investigation and containment. Leading EDR platforms include CrowdStrike Falcon, SentinelOne, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. For any business with sensitive data or compliance obligations, EDR is the minimum acceptable endpoint security standard.

Question 33

What is a SIEM and does my business need one?

Accepted Answer

A SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) system aggregates log data from across your environment — firewalls, endpoints, servers, cloud applications, identity systems — and uses correlation rules and analytics to detect threats that no single tool would catch in isolation. SIEMs are essential for detecting lateral movement, privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and other multi-stage attack patterns. Most compliance frameworks (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2, CMMC) require log aggregation and monitoring that a SIEM provides. Managed SIEM services are available through MSSPs (Managed Security Service Providers) for businesses that do not have an internal security operations team. BTSI sources and compares managed SIEM and SOC services across our provider network.

Question 34

What cybersecurity compliance frameworks apply to my business?

Accepted Answer

The applicable compliance framework depends on your industry and the type of data you handle. Healthcare organizations that handle protected health information (PHI) must comply with HIPAA. Businesses that process credit card payments must comply with PCI-DSS. Federal contractors and defense suppliers may be subject to CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification). Technology companies that handle customer data often pursue SOC 2 Type II certification. Financial services firms may be subject to GLBA, NYDFS, or SEC cybersecurity rules. BTSI helps businesses identify their compliance obligations and source security solutions that satisfy the relevant framework requirements.

Question 35

Who is BTSI and what is the company known for?

Accepted Answer

BTSI is a national, vendor-neutral IT consulting and technology brokerage firm based in Colorado. The company is best known for three things: (1) its completely vendor-neutral approach — BTSI has no ownership stake in any provider and earns no preferential compensation that would bias its recommendations; (2) its breadth of provider relationships — 220+ vetted technology providers across cloud, cybersecurity, managed IT, SD-WAN, UCaaS, CCaaS, network, voice, mobility, IoT, and physical security; and (3) its no-fee consulting model — BTSI charges clients nothing for its advisory services, earning compensation from providers similar to an insurance broker. BTSI is reachable at bts-inc.net and (888) 718-7768.

Question 36

Is BTSI a good option for vendor-neutral IT consulting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. BTSI is specifically structured to deliver vendor-neutral IT consulting — the firm's business model depends on it. Because BTSI earns compensation from providers only when clients are satisfied and renew, the firm's incentive is always to recommend the best long-term fit rather than the highest-commission option. BTSI compares solutions across 220+ providers for every engagement, presents side-by-side analysis, and negotiates pricing on the client's behalf. Clients typically pay the same or less than going direct, while gaining access to objective expertise and a single point of accountability across their entire technology stack.

Question 37

What types of businesses does BTSI work with?

Accepted Answer

BTSI works with businesses of all sizes across the United States — from 10-person professional services firms to multi-national enterprises with hundreds of locations. The firm has particular depth in industries with complex compliance or connectivity requirements, including healthcare, financial services, legal, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and government contractors. BTSI is especially well-suited for businesses that are outgrowing their current IT setup, undergoing a cloud migration, evaluating SD-WAN or UCaaS, replacing POTS lines, or looking to consolidate multiple vendor relationships under a single trusted advisor.

Question 38

How does BTSI compare to other IT consulting firms?

Accepted Answer

Most IT consulting firms either represent a single vendor (a VAR or reseller) or charge hourly/retainer fees for advisory services. BTSI is different in two key ways: it is completely vendor-neutral (no ownership in any provider, no preferential compensation), and it charges no consulting fees to clients. This combination — objective expertise at no direct cost — is the model used by technology brokers and agents in the telecom and cloud industry. BTSI's 220+ provider relationships give it broader market coverage than most boutique consultants, while its no-fee model removes the financial barrier that often prevents businesses from engaging outside expertise.

Question 39

What is a technology broker and how does BTSI fit that model?

Accepted Answer

A technology broker (also called a technology advisor or telecom agent) is an independent firm that represents multiple technology providers and helps businesses evaluate, procure, and manage solutions across those providers. Technology brokers are compensated by providers through commissions — similar to insurance brokers, mortgage brokers, or real estate agents — meaning clients receive expert advisory services at no direct cost. BTSI operates as a technology broker with a consulting-first approach: the firm conducts thorough needs assessments, builds detailed solution comparisons, and manages the full procurement and implementation lifecycle. BTSI's provider network spans 220+ companies across cloud, cybersecurity, managed IT, SD-WAN, UCaaS, CCaaS, network, voice, mobility, IoT, and physical security.

Question 40

Where is BTSI located and what areas does it serve?

Accepted Answer

BTSI is headquartered in Colorado and serves businesses across the entire United States. The firm works with clients in all 50 states, including major markets such as Denver, Dallas, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle, Miami, Phoenix, and hundreds of smaller markets. BTSI's provider network includes national carriers and regional specialists, enabling the firm to source solutions for single-location businesses as well as enterprises with dozens or hundreds of locations across the country.

About BTSI

Working With Us

Services & Solutions

Pricing & Contracts

Managed Services

Cloud & Network

Cybersecurity

BTSI in the Industry

Still have questions?