CBT Technical Institute offers technical training and certification programs in fields such as information technology, cybersecurity and network administration. The institute operates across three campuses and runs its technology with a team of three IT support specialists. It sought a partner to fill IT gaps, provide strategic solutions that strengthen cybersecurity resilience and optimize operations across its campuses, with a particular focus on safeguarding sensitive educational information.

CBT Technical Institute faced a significant challenge when its IT supervisor departed for another company, leaving a critical void in the management of its websites and servers. The remaining team of three IT support specialists had its focus divided among many tasks, and the workload quickly became overwhelming.

The gap was not only about capacity. Outdated hardware was holding back server management and performance, and the institute needed contingency planning for potential disruptions. As a provider of technology and cybersecurity training with three campuses to run, CBT required robust security measures and reliable protection for sensitive educational information.

The institute wanted more than a temporary fix. It was looking for a partner that could provide essential protection, strategic direction for its technology and expertise the internal team did not have, while staying within the institute's budget.

When evaluating potential partners, CBT Technical Institute chose Thrive for its comprehensive suite of services and its commitment to a genuine partnership. Thrive's management of services and software, combined with its security measures, relieved the institute of much of the burden of maintaining its infrastructure and data security.

Thrive's solution included Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) for endpoint protection, server management, and management and monitoring of Microsoft 365 email and Exchange. Facing expertise gaps, the institute outsourced comprehensive security services to Thrive, leveraging the ThriveCloud platform and Thrive's 24x7x365 Security Operations Center. Managed server patching, a helpdesk and end-user support round out the engagement.

Outsourcing these services marked the beginning of the partnership. Thrive guided CBT through onboarding and provided expertise and support throughout, ensuring a seamless transition. Servers were migrated to the cloud and new infrastructure deployed, addressing the challenges linked to outdated hardware, and Thrive now hosts the institute's database.

CBT reports that Thrive's team consistently goes beyond expectations, from dedicated engineers who assist outside regular hours to responsive project managers, and describes the engagement as a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix.

• Servers migrated to the cloud and new infrastructure deployed, resolving problems tied to outdated hardware
• Users saw significant improvements in service responsiveness after the migration
• Thrive-hosted database strengthened data security and resilience, with rapid recovery from disruptions
• EDR, Microsoft 365 email and Exchange management and 24x7x365 SOC coverage complement the three-person internal team
• Cost-effective solutions delivered within CBT's budgetary limits
• Contingency planning and long-term support in place after the departure of the IT supervisor