Exo is a private equity-backed organization that provides inspection, remediation and engineering services to ensure the reliability and resiliency of critical infrastructure. Its customers include utilities and more than half of the top ten U.S. retailers. The company's IT footprint spans Microsoft 365, AWS cloud servers and critical network infrastructure, and its technology function is led by CIO John Ross.

Exo needed to bolster its cybersecurity defenses during a period of rapid growth. At the same time it wanted to streamline IT operations so that internal resources could be allocated strategically rather than consumed by routine tasks.

The company faced a staffing decision: backfill an in-house IT position, or engage a third-party partner capable of supporting both its cybersecurity and its IT management needs. Its environment was diverse, spanning Microsoft 365, AWS cloud servers and critical network infrastructure, so any partner would need to manage hardware, software and security together rather than in pieces.

As a private equity-backed organization, Exo also wanted a provider with a proven track record in PE-backed ventures and a forward-thinking approach to security. Endpoint protection, reliable and scalable VPN capability, backup and disaster recovery, and staff security training all had to be addressed quickly to minimize risk and downtime.

Exo selected Thrive for its experience supporting PE-backed ventures and its approach to cybersecurity. What set Thrive apart, according to the document, was its ability to consolidate management of hardware, software and cybersecurity services under one umbrella, so that Exo could rely on a single trusted partner rather than a full-time internal team.

Thrive prioritized security and scalability. It deployed advanced endpoint security, backup and disaster recovery services, and a set of cybersecurity solutions designed to minimize risk and downtime. An Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) program strengthened endpoint protection while ensuring reliable, scalable VPN capability. Cybersecurity training helped Exo's team recognize and mitigate threats, and Thrive's Security Operations Center and Network Operations Center provide continuous monitoring.

The document lists the services as Managed Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Endpoint Detection and Response, Managed Detection and Response, Vulnerability Scanning and Assessment, a 24x7x365 Security Operations Center, Anti-Phishing and Awareness Training, Zero Trust Network Access, Email Security and Filtering, Managed Patching, Managed Microsoft 365 and Managed Cloud.

These capabilities were integrated swiftly, providing immediate benefits. Work that Exo estimated would have taken a year internally was accomplished in almost 60 days.

• Projects that would have taken Exo a year were accomplished in almost 60 days
• Hardware, software and cybersecurity now managed under one umbrella by a single trusted partner
• EDR program strengthened endpoint protection while ensuring reliable, scalable VPN capability
• Round-the-clock monitoring through Thrive's SOC and NOC, with cybersecurity training for staff
• Freed internal resources to focus on adding value through analytics and automation, without a full-time IT team