With many customers still recovering from the impact of the ongoing pandemic, MSPs have become a vital part of the success of businesses worldwide. MSPs not only empower organizations to leverage intricate technologies but also help them keep a strict focus on their core business goals without straining their budgets.

“In addition to having to adjust their own business operations to account for the changed conditions during the pandemic, MSPs have also seen increased demand for their managed communications, collaboration and security services,” said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. “The solution providers on our 2022 MSP 500 list deserve credit for their innovative and game-changing approaches to managed services in these unpredictable times, as well as their ability to optimize operational efficiencies and systems without straining IT budgets.”

2022 marks the third year in a row that Blue Layer has been recognized on the MSP 500. Our spot in the Pioneering 250 category recognizes companies with business models weighted toward managed services and primarily focused on the SMB market and confirms our ability to deliver leading managed services worthy of industry recognition.

“We are thrilled and honored to be a part of CRN’s Pioneering 250 list for the third year in a row,” said Blue Layer COO Michael Strong. “Industry recognition is one of the most shining indicators of our experience, superior performance, and an unrelenting dedication to providing customers with right-sized managed services they can count on around the clock. I’m proud of our team for this achievement and thankful for our customers’ lasting trust.”

The MSP 500 list was featured in the February 2022 issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/msp500.

About The Channel Company 

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com

About Blue Layer

Blue Layer was founded in 2002 after years of experience in the computer and networking industry and learning how to best meet the unique needs of businesses. As the company evolved, it became a priority to propel the business and its clients forward with innovations in technology. With a focus on responsible and right-sized technology consulting, Blue Layer’s clients benefit from expertise in Managed Services, Cybersecurity, Disaster Recovery, Mobility, Unified Communications, and more.

“Every year, the Inc. 5000 gives the world a rigorously-vetted glimpse into what it takes to rank among our country’s fastest-growing private businesses,” said Michael Strong, Blue Layer COO. “Inclusion on this year’s version of the Inc. 5000 proves another level of resilience, and we are proud that our success with our clients has allowed a position on it once again.”

This year’s list proved especially resilient and flexible given 2020’s unprecedented challenges. Among the 5,000, the average median three-year growth rate soared 543%, and median revenue reached $11.1 million. Together, those companies added more than 610,000 jobs over the past three years. 

“The 2021 Inc. 5000 list feels like one of the most important rosters of companies ever compiled,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Building one of the fastest-growing companies in America in any year is a remarkable achievement. Building one in the crisis we’ve lived through is just plain amazing. This kind of accomplishment comes with hard work, smart pivots, great leadership, and the help of a whole lot of people.”

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found here.

For more information about Blue Layer and the industry-recognized, right-sized IT services that we can provide for you and your business, click here.

Methodology

Companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2017 to 2020. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2017. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2020. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2017 is $100,000; the minimum for 2020 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to three decimal places.

About Inc. Media

The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels, including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Vision Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com or http://conference.inc.com/.

For the past 15 years, MSPs from around the globe have submitted applications to be included on this prestigious and definitive list. The Channel Futures MSP 501 survey examines organization performance based on annual sales, recurring revenue, profit margins, revenue mix, growth opportunities, innovation, technology solutions supported, and company and customer demographics.

Managed services providers that qualify for the list must pass a rigorous review conducted by the research team and editors of Channel Futures that rank applicants using a unique methodology that weighs financial performance according to longer-term health and viability, commitment to recurring revenue, and operational efficiency.

This year, Channel Futures has named Blue Layer #99 on the 2021 MSP 501, a 45-spot climb from the 2020 MSP 501 ranking, and our first appearance in the Top 100.

“Year after year, our unwavering commitment to quality of service and customer care have enabled us to continue climbing the MSP 501 rankings list,” said Blue Layer COO, Michael Strong. “And now, after moving up 45 spots from last year’s list, we could not be more proud to appear in the Top 100 for the very first time at #99. We’re honored to represent West Texas on this list and look forward to providing our award-winning services for new customers throughout the region and the state.”

Since its inception, the MSP 501 has evolved from a competitive ranking into a vibrant group of innovators focused on high levels of customer satisfaction at small, medium, and large organizations in public and private sectors. Today, many of their services and technology offerings focus on growing customer needs in the areas of cloud, security, collaboration, and support of hybrid workforces.

This year’s list attracted a record number of applicants and was one of the most competitive in the survey’s history. Winners are being recognized on the Channel Futures website and will be honored at a special ceremony at the MSP Summit held on November 1st and 2nd in Las Vegas as part of the Channel Partners Conference & Expo.

“The 2021 Channel Futures MSP 501 winners are the highest-performing and most innovative IT providers in the industry today. They stand head and shoulders above the competition,” said Robert DeMarzo, vice president of content for the Channel Futures and Channel Partners Conference & Expo division of Informa Tech Channels. “Coordinated by Channel Futures MSP 501 editor Allison Francis, this year’s list was clearly one of the best ever on record.”

“Vendors that are aligned with the Channel Futures MSP 501 are driving a new wave of innovation in the industry. Through their partnerships they are demonstrating a commitment to moving the MSP and entire channel forward,” said Kelly Danziger, general manager of Informa Tech Channels. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2021 winners and gratitude to the thousands of MSPs that have contributed to the continuing growth and success of the managed services sector.”

Click here to view the full 2021 MSP 501 list and click here to see Blue Layer’s award-winning line of managed services at work for you.

Background

The 2021 MSP 501 list is based on confidential data collected and analyzed by the Channel Futures editorial and research teams. Data was collected online from March 1st – May 24th, 2021. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics including recurring revenue, profit margin, and other factors.

About Blue Layer

For 19 years, Blue Layer has been using superior customer service and a fair pricing model to provide West Texas companies with comprehensive, “Right-Sized” IT solutions designed specifically to meet their needs. We specialize in addressing the many, ever-changing landscapes of technology, including managed services, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, networking, and monitoring.

About Channel Futures

Channel Futures is a media and events platform serving companies in the IT channel industry with insights, industry analysis, peer engagement, business information, and in-person events. They are a part of Informa tech, a market-leading B2B information provider with depth and specialization in the Information and Communications (ICT) Technology sector. Every year, they welcome 7,400+ subscribers to their research, more than 3.8 million unique visitors a month to their digital communities, 18,200+ students to their training programs, and 225,000 delegates to their events.

With cutting-edge approaches to delivering managed services, MSPs have become an integral part of the success of businesses worldwide. They help empower organizations to leverage complex technologies, keeping a strict focus on their core business without straining their budgets. CRN’s 2021 MSP 500 list identifies the market’s key managed services players who are setting themselves apart with best-of-breed solutions that provide the business outcomes customers need.

The MSP 500 list is divided into three sections: the MSP Pioneer 250, recognizing companies with business models weighted toward managed services and primarily focused on the SMB market; the MSP Elite 150, recognizing large, data center-focused MSPs with a strong mix of on-premises and off-premises services; and the Managed Security 100, recognizing MSPs focused primarily on off-premises and cloud-based security services.

“Effective MSPs enable companies to focus on their core objectives while improving the quality and reliability of their cloud computing capabilities,” said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. “The solution providers on CRN’s 2021 MSP 500 list deserve recognition for their innovative and forward-thinking approaches to managed services, and the ability to optimize operational efficiencies and systems to maximize return on investments.”

“We’re honored that Blue Layer has been named to CRN’s MSP 500 list again this year, and to represent the best West Texas has to offer,” said Blue Layer COO, Michael Strong. “We’re passionate about providing custom, Right-Sized IT solutions to each of our clients with the most innovative and forward-thinking approach. I’m grateful for and proud of our team that provides this superior service each and every day.”

The MSP 500 list will be featured in the February 2021 issue of CRN and online at www.CRN.com/msp500.

About The Channel Company 

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com

About Blue Layer

Blue Layer was founded in 2002 after years of experience in the computer and networking industry and learning how to best meet the unique needs of businesses. As the company evolved, it became a priority to propel the business and its clients forward with innovations in technology. With a focus on responsible and right-sized technology consulting, Blue Layer’s clients benefit from expertise in Managed Services, Cybersecurity, Disaster Recovery, Mobility, Unified Communications, and more.