We feel very strongly that one can achieve significant cost savings, increased efficiencies and reduced frustration levels by using best-of-breed products in the proper combinations rather than "putting your eggs in one basket" with an all-in-one solution from a single hardware or software vendor. Other companies may tell you that this "doesn't matter" or that various solutions to a business problem are "all the same" but this is usually out of an unwillingness to learn about alternatives.

Most companies already have established networks and simply need a few pieces of hardware or software, so we think it's very important to try to work with what you already own as much as possible: this business is called network integration for a reason. Some companies think it's easier to rip and replace entire systems every three years. This might be easier on them, but it is ultimately the most expensive way to go.

documentation

A weak point for other network consulting firms is extensive and reliable documentation that can be used to quickly track down changes to a network. BDPNetworks documentation trails contain every contact number & every configuration setting of the systems we work with. This paper trail can be searched and saves lots of time tracking down issues in the long run.

BDPNetworks practices a policy of "open documentation" - we will produce any piece of information we have on file about your company or computer network upon request. We have nothing to hide, and feel strongly that you should choose your network support vendor based on trust. You shouldn't feel dependent on any single organization simply because they're the only one with the keys to your systems.

proactive management

Proactive management is extremely important in cutting the costs of computer support. These days, most computer problems are caused by software interactions, not by hardware failures. The number of site visits can be cut down dramatically with the scheduled checklisted maintenance, continuous 24x7 monitoring and effective remote management tools. Proactive management includes taking an active role in the day-to-day operations of a network, including checking backups, firewall status, patches, virus protection signatures, disk space, CPU & memory load, etc. Our Totally Managed Networks managed service plans allow for a way for us to provide this service for small companies, just like hiring a high-level dedicated network administrator at a fraction of the cost.

network security

We believe security is not a bolted-on afterthought: our management plans include security throughout the plan. We check, double-check, then check again to make sure your network is as secure as possible. Since a large portion of security breaches are caused by "social engineering," we communicate security best practices to your staff as well.

All BDPNetworks Service Engineers sign customer confidentiality agreements as a condition of their employment.

business efficiency

The point of having a computer network is to increase business efficiency. A business should be able to access data in new and innovative ways without layers of complexity in the way. That's what our goal is; to make your network as transparent and as seamless as possible. It should work FOR you, not the other way around. It should just get out of your way, so you can concentrate on your business. That's the service we provide.

Brian Place, Network Engineer & Principal

I became passionately interested in computers when I was about six years old, exposed to them for the first time in my elementary school. In 1983, my parents bought me a state-of-the-art 8-bit Atari 800XL home computer with 64K of memory, at which point I proceeded to teach myself the BASIC computer programming language. In 1987 I bought my first modem (300 Baud!) and used it to connect to a local public-access UNIX-based conferencing system (BBS) where I met other people who shared my interest in computers. I learned the fundamentals of UNIX through trial and error and gained a much greater appreciation for the ability of computers to enable people to communicate easier.

I stumbled upon the Internet for the first time in 1989 and was overwhelmed by the implications: I still remember people's incredulous looks when I told them how I chatted with some people in Australia "online."

After high school, I decided to enter the computer industry part-time (balancing work with school) and landed my first professional job building "clone" PCs. I would often build six complete systems in a six-hour period, including assembling the parts, installing the OS and adding applications. It was a pretty intense environment, but an amazing learning experience.

After building my skills in PC hardware, I took a job at a computer reseller in Ann Arbor, MI called Dominant Systems Corp. The job turned out to be the beginning of my full-time career. I started as a Network Engineer and helped people with their workstations. Within two years I was promoted to Sr. Network Engineer (with several industry certifications) and helped train other incoming engineers. During that time I also maintained the internal networks, helped move the office and even helped organize a technology fair for local businesses. But most of my time was spent coming up with good solutions for small- to mid-sized companies in the area and implementing them efficiently and correctly. It was a great job.

In 2000, I moved to Seattle, Washington. I had a job with a similar local computer reseller for about six months but then quickly found myself in charge of a big WAN (wide area network) that spanned eight states for an engineering firm in Kirkland, Washington. The WAN was a great "proving ground" for a lot of technologies I had used earlier in smaller environments. I enjoyed the work but realized the corporate environment didn't mesh with my personality and that I probably wouldn't be really satisfied unless I started my own firm.

I started BDPnetworks in June, 2001. I was frustrated with the quality and consistency of service provided by other small network consulting firms, and knew I could do a better job. BDPnetworks has surpassed my expectations so far. I've met some pretty great clients in a wide range of industries, and am committed to making sure they get the best possible support available at any price. It has been a lot of work, and sometimes stressful, but I've been extremely lucky to be able to experience this part of my career and am rewarded daily with job satisfaction.

Now in 2007 BDPNetworks has four full-time employees and a host of other consultants and contractors who play additional key roles. We have recently moved into a 2300 square foot space in Georgetown, our first major office space, where we are building a data center, NOC (Network Operations Center) and training/seminar room.

We are one of a very few true managed service providers in the Seattle area. In fact, in 2007 we joined the MSPAlliance -- one of the only members in the Seattle area.

Our status as a true Managed Service Provider has been bolstered by a several-year partnership with N-Able, the leading provider of tools for managed service providers. Their tools are unmatched in their capabilities and reach, which is why I selected them. We've reengineered our service processes and have capabilities and reach unlike anything I could dream of when I started this in 2001; we really can (and do) now provide the capabilities of a very large consulting firm for a fraction of the cost.

Christopher Shaw, Sr. Service Engineer

Bryan Gruebel, Service Engineer

Todd Toner, Service Engineer