How Netverta *Accidently* built an MSP
By Claire Schummer
I had the chance to talk with Mike Cote, the Managing Parnter of Netverta, to learn more about their business, and what started as a quick chat turned into a lesson in smart pivots, cybersecurity priorities, and realistic takes on AI.
Netverta wasn’t born out of a grand MSP vision. It started with IT consulting in retail—straightforward project-based work.
“We started as an IT engineering and consulting firm for the Retail Industry. Retail is what we knew best, but we didn’t necessarily intend to build it as an MSP business. We were somewhat converted into it by default as customers would ask us to manage their network infrastructure after we designed and deployed it for them.”
Leaning into this market need worked. One of their biggest wins comes the brand recognition they have built over the past 8 years by staying focused on their customers' needs and solving real problems.
"Technology can be a tough business to have success and I think we’ve done a good job delivering our value proposition in the market and to our customers. We still have a lot more work to do."
And right now, that means helping small businesses stay secure.
"Ongoing cybersecurity threats and data protection has been top of mind. Customer’s want assurances on advanced security protection options, education/training, and risk mitigation strategies. Small businesses are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks with ransomware, phishing and malware, so we’re heavily invested in Cybersecurity Solutions that are both comprehensive and affordable for our clients."
Their success isn’t just about knowing tech—it’s about building the right relationships. That includes the one we’ve built together.
“We’ve been working with Altaworx for four years now, and honestly, the people are what make the difference. Altaworx has such a knowledgeable team that is always willing to help with any problem we throw at them."
Mike’s team stays ahead by investing in vendor partnerships and focusing heavily on cloud and security. But he’s also watching AI—cautiously, but with intention.
"We’re steadfast in learning about new technology trends especially in the cloud architecture and cybersecurity spaces. It’s the two areas our customers are asking about the most. The other aspect of that has been our ongoing effort in securing strategic partnerships with solution providers."
As for AI, Mike says they aren't "completely jumping on the AI bandwagon yet, but it’s here and isn’t going away. It’s already making its way into our everyday lives. We’re most interested how AI will enhance our support tools and applications so we can support our customers more efficiently. We run a very lean operation which can be overwhelming at times, so well-vetted support automations would be a welcome addition to our team."
As we wrapped, I asked what advice he’d give to someone just getting into this space. His answer was quick and solid:
“Define what your core technology competencies are going to be and focus on becoming an expert in those spaces. It doesn’t mean you can’t expand your technology offerings, but perhaps you have an offering or niche that makes your company somewhat unique – build on those things first. There are so many successes and failures as a growing MSP. You’ll learn a lot about yourself and your company with each customer you bring aboard.”
It’s simple, but effective—always keeping the customer at top of mind. That is something Altaworx and Netverta have in common, and I believe, that is part of the reason we work so well together.
