KIS

What KIS does

KIS (Keep IT Simple) is an IT managed services provider and systems integrator founded in 1988 by Sean Canevaro and headquartered in Fremont, California. The company delivers services organized around four practice cores — Network, Management, Cybersecurity, and Storage — covering 26 specific practice areas, and serves government entities (federal/state/local), K-12 and higher-education institutions, SMBs, and enterprise organizations in Northern California and beyond. Named engagements include the City of Antioch, San Mateo County Office of Education, Albuquerque Public Schools, and Western Allied Mechanical, and KIS holds pre-competed procurement vehicles including CMAS, NASPO ValuePoint, PEPPM, USAC, FCC Green-Light, and e-Rate, which materially streamline its public-sector pipeline.

The company's proprietary asset is the KIS Cloud Platform, a "bubble-wrapped" private-cloud architecture that provides each client with isolated, dedicated compute, storage, and networking resources across three US data centers (Fremont, CA; Houston, TX; Kansas City, MO). Throughput on the platform grew from 1,000 operations per second at its 2012 launch to 25,000 operations per second in its fourth revision at unchanged service pricing. KIS wraps these own-platform capabilities around authorized-dealer relationships with more than 20 tier-one vendors including VMware/Broadcom, Microsoft, HPE, HPE Aruba, Dell, Cisco, Barracuda, Veeam, Fortinet, Palo Alto, Arctic Wolf, and Rubrik, reselling, implementing, and managing the underlying products.

Commercial mechanics are quote-based and subscription-led: managed services contracts ranging from "several hours a month" up to 40-hour blocks, annual and multi-year cloud and managed-cybersecurity contracts priced per scope, with optional professional services for one-time assessments, migrations, and incident response. Go-to-market is sales-led — direct enterprise field sales for complex multi-site clients, inside sales for SMB, channel partner co-selling through vendor deal registration, and a request-for-proposal flow from kiscc.com. KIS is privately held, founder-controlled, and bootstrapped; it has no outside institutional capital or parent company, and operates with a five-partner executive group (CEO, CFO, COO, plus practice directors).

Name

KIS

Legal name

Keep IT Simple (K.I.S.)

Website

https://kiscc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

KIS is an IT managed services and systems integrator founded in 1988 in Fremont, California, serving government, education, SMB, and enterprise clients with cloud hosting, cybersecurity, virtualization, and consulting delivered via its proprietary bubble-wrapped cloud platform and major vendor partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Managed IT Services

NAICS

Computer Facilities Management Services (541513), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Other Computer Related Services (541519)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Cloud & Infrastructure Support (Servers, Storage, Virtualization) (BPAAACAE)

Keywords

• Managed IT services
• Cloud hosting solutions
• Cybersecurity consulting
• Network infrastructure design
• IT systems integration

Headquarters

HQ city

Fremont

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Managed IT Services: KIS offers IT managed services (systems administration) with various on-site and remote support contracts. Contracts range from several hours a month to 40-hour blocks depending on client requirements. Services include tech setup/installation, IT training, tech monitoring, data/network maintenance, and IT analysis.
2. Cloud Solutions: Full-service private cloud hosting with isolated client environments. Clients experience lower CapEx and OpEx costs when switching to KIS hosted solutions. Includes 24/7/365 support coverage with proactive management and monitoring.
3. Professional IT Consulting: Professional services across four general cores: Network, Management, Cybersecurity, and Storage, separated into 26 specific practice areas. Includes network infrastructure design, security assessments, incident response, and technology implementation.
4. Cybersecurity Services: Comprehensive cybersecurity managed services including vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, security policy development, SIEM, managed detection and response (MDR/XDR), SOC-as-a-Service, incident response, and compliance capabilities.
5. Virtualization Solutions: VMware-based virtualization solutions including server consolidation, virtualization management, desktop virtualization, and business continuity. KIS offers internal private cloud, external services, or hybrid cloud options.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

KIS provides IT managed services, cloud hosting, cybersecurity, virtualization, and IT consulting to organizations across California. Services are organized around four practice cores (Network, Management, Cybersecurity, Storage) spanning 26 specific practice areas. KIS operates its proprietary KIS Cloud Platform with isolated bubble-wrapped tenant environments across data centers in Fremont CA, Houston TX, and Kansas City MO, and acts as an authorized reseller and integrator for vendors including VMware, Microsoft, HPE, HPE Aruba, Veeam, and Barracuda.

Product overview

Keep IT Simple (K.I.S.) is an IT managed services and solutions provider founded in 1988, based in Fremont, CA. KIS does not develop its own proprietary software products; instead, it operates as a multi-vendor integrator and authorized reseller, delivering IT services organized around four general practice cores — Network, Management, Cybersecurity, and Storage — spanning 26 specific practice areas. The core service portfolio consists of IT Managed Services (systems administration, on-site and remote support), KIS Cloud Solutions (a full-service private cloud with isolated tenant environments in three US data centers), Cybersecurity Services (NIST Framework-based managed security, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, incident response, SIEM, SOC-as-a-Service, EDR/MDR/XDR), Virtualization Solutions (VMware-based server consolidation, desktop virtualization, business continuity), Network Infrastructure Consulting (WAN/LAN design, wireless LAN, remote access), and IT Consulting (assessment, training, monitoring, maintenance). KIS delivers these services alongside a broad portfolio of authorized vendor partnerships including Veeam (data backup and recovery), VMware Cloud Foundation (full-stack hybrid/multi-cloud), HPE Aruba Networking (SD-WAN, SASE, data center switching), and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (servers, storage, GreenLake hybrid cloud). These vendor solutions are implemented, managed, and supported by KIS as part of its managed services contracts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IT Managed Services IT Managed Services providing systems administration and IT support with on-site and remote support contracts ranging from several hours per month to 40-hour blocks. Services cover tech setup/installation, IT training, monitoring, data/network maintenance, IT analysis, and ongoing technology management for SMBs, enterprises, and government organizations.
• KIS Cloud Solutions Full-service private cloud hosting with 24/7/365 support and proactive management, using a proprietary KIS Cloud Platform with bubble-wrapped isolated tenant architecture. Supports Microsoft Exchange, SQL, SharePoint, Windows OS, and other applications in dedicated client environments across data centers in Fremont CA, Houston TX, and Kansas City MO. Includes cloud migration, backup, and disaster recovery.
• Cybersecurity Services Comprehensive NIST Cybersecurity Framework-based cybersecurity program including managed security, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing (external/internal/WiFi), security policy development, SIEM, incident response, compliance assessments, red team exercises, EDR, MDR/XDR, SOC-as-a-Service, zero-trust implementations, NAC, and content filtering. KIS is a CIS SecureSuite member and authorized CIS consultant.
• Virtualization Solutions VMware-based virtualization consulting and implementation including server consolidation, virtualization management, desktop virtualization (VDI), and business continuity. Offers internal/private cloud, external services, or hybrid cloud deployment models. KIS is a VMware authorized dealer.
• Network Infrastructure Consulting Network design, implementation, and maintenance services across SMBs, large enterprises, and government organizations. Practice areas include business requirement assessment, WAN/LAN infrastructure design, IP architecture and address planning, wireless LAN services, and remote access solutions. Consulting practice is organized around 4 general cores (Network, Management, Cybersecurity, Storage) and 26 specific practice areas.
• IT Consulting IT advisory services including technology assessment, strategic planning, implementation support, tech setup/installation, IT training, monitoring, data/network maintenance, IT analysis, and vendor-agnostic best-of-breed technology recommendations.

Quantifiable outcome

• KIS Cloud Platform evolved from 1,000 operations per second seven years ago to 25,000 operations per second in current version, at the same service fee
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration28 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• VeeammajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Veeam Authorized Dealer partnership for cloud data management, backup, recovery, and protection services. KIS announced new partnership with Veeam in 2024 to offer expanded data backup, recovery, and protection services. Partnership includes disaster recovery orchestration and cyber recovery capabilities.
• VMware by BroadcomcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic partnership as VMware Authorized Dealer. KIS provides VMware Cloud Foundation implementation, virtualization solutions, and VDI environments. Nick Popovich (Strategic Account Executive, VMware) praised KIS team for quick deployment and capable customer staff. Partnership includes authorized dealer status for VMware solutions.
• BarracudacoreTechnology or IntegrationKIS works with Barracuda for security solutions including CloudGen Firewall, Content Shield, and PhishLine. Barracuda product marketing manager Stephanie Cavigliano contributes to KIS blog content on security topics. Partnership enables remote workforce security solutions.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor technology partner for Microsoft solutions including Azure, Exchange, SQL, SharePoint, and Microsoft 365. KIS provides cloud migration, implementation, and managed services for Microsoft environments. Certified Microsoft partner with multiple vendor certifications.
• Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)coreTechnology or IntegrationHPE Authorized Dealer providing HPE GreenLake, servers, storage, and networking solutions. Collaboration aims to optimize tech engineering processes with state-of-the-art ecosystem. Partnership offers cloud infrastructure, data management, and digital transformation support.
• HPE Aruba NetworkscoreTechnology or IntegrationHPE Aruba Networking Authorized Dealer. Partnership brings cutting-edge technology solutions and streamlined IT services. Includes SD-WAN, data center switching, and unified SASE solutions. Joint collaboration empowers tech engineering community with advanced networking.
• NASPO ValuePointcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNASPO (National Association of State Procurement Officials) contract holder enabling KIS to provide technology solutions to government entities through established procurement channels.
• CMAScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCalifornia Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS) contract holder providing government procurement access for technology solutions and services in California.
• Dell TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic technology partner providing Dell hardware, servers, storage, and solutions as part of KIS's best-of-breed technology portfolio.
• CiscocoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner for Cisco networking, collaboration, and security solutions including Cisco Meraki for cloud-managed networking.
• Ruckus Networks (CommScope)majorTechnology or IntegrationKIS features Ruckus Networks technology including BeamFlex+ adaptive antenna arrays and Wi-Fi 7 solutions. Partnership addresses high-density wireless environments for venues, campuses, and enterprises.
• Arctic WolfmajorTechnology or IntegrationArctic Wolf managed detection and response (MDR) partner providing security operations center services and managed security awareness training integrated into KIS cybersecurity offerings.
• VerkadamajorTechnology or IntegrationVerkada authorized partner for security cameras and physical security solutions. Verkada team expressed satisfaction with KIS relationship, praising quick responses and great communication.
• RubrikmajorTechnology or IntegrationRubrik partner for data management, backup, and recovery solutions as part of KIS's data protection portfolio.
• Palo Alto NetworksmajorTechnology or IntegrationSecurity technology partner for next-generation firewall and cybersecurity solutions integrated into KIS security offerings.
• FortinetmajorTechnology or IntegrationSecurity technology partner for network security solutions including firewall and unified threat management integrated into KIS security practice.
• SophosmajorTechnology or IntegrationSecurity technology partner for endpoint protection and synchronized security solutions.
• NutanixmajorTechnology or IntegrationHyper-converged infrastructure partner for enterprise cloud computing solutions.
• RingCentralmajorTechnology or IntegrationUnified communications partner for cloud phone systems and collaboration solutions.
• CitrixmajorTechnology or IntegrationEnd-user computing and virtualization partner for workspace solutions.
• ExaGridmajorTechnology or IntegrationBackup storage partner providing tiered backup storage with landing zone and non-tiered zone for optimized data protection.
• Zerto ( Hewlett Packard Enterprise)majorTechnology or IntegrationBusiness continuity and disaster recovery partner for continuous data protection and replication.
• DarktracemajorTechnology or IntegrationAI-powered cybersecurity partner for autonomous threat detection and response.
• PEPPMcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPEPPM (Participating Entity in Public Procurement Marketplace) affiliation enabling technology procurement for education and government entities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Ntiva: Ntiva is a national managed IT services provider serving SMB and mid-market clients across the U.S. with managed IT, cloud, cybersecurity, and strategic consulting — directly comparable to KIS's core managed services, cybersecurity, and cloud practices serving similar customer segments.
• Dataprise: Dataprise is a U.S.-based managed services and cybersecurity provider delivering IT managed services, cloud, backup/disaster recovery, and security to SMB and mid-market clients — closely overlapping KIS's service portfolio across managed IT, cloud, and cybersecurity for similar buyer profiles.
• Core BTS: Core BTS is a national IT solutions and services provider specializing in cloud, collaboration, security, and infrastructure consulting — directly comparable to KIS in its multi-vendor systems integrator positioning and similar mix of professional services, managed services, and resale.

Broad incumbents

• Presidio: Presidio is a large, publicly-traded IT solutions provider offering cloud, security, networking, and managed services to enterprise and mid-market clients — overlapping KIS's cybersecurity, cloud, and networking practices but at significantly greater scale and broader geographic reach.
• ConvergeOne: ConvergeOne is a large IT solutions provider focused on collaboration, cloud, networking, and security with a strong services and resale model — comparable to KIS as a multi-vendor systems integrator and managed services provider, though ConvergeOne serves larger enterprise and national customers.
• ePlus: ePlus is a national IT solutions and services company providing cloud, security, networking, and managed services to mid-market and enterprise clients — comparable to KIS as a multi-vendor systems integrator with managed services revenue, though at greater scale and broader geographic reach.
• CDW: CDW is one of the largest U.S. IT solutions and services providers, offering hardware, software, cloud, security, and managed services to SMB, mid-market, and enterprise customers — comparable to KIS in its multi-vendor reseller and managed services model, but at vastly greater scale and breadth.
• SHI International: SHI International is a large, privately-held IT solutions provider offering hardware, software, cloud, security, and managed services to enterprise and public-sector clients — comparable to KIS in its multi-vendor integrator and managed services model, with similar government/education vertical exposure but at far greater scale.
• Insight Enterprises: Insight Enterprises is a global IT solutions and services provider offering hardware, software, cloud, security, and managed services — comparable to KIS as a multi-vendor systems integrator and managed services provider, with overlapping vendor partnerships (Microsoft, Cisco, VMware) though Insight operates at far greater scale and global reach.

Emerging players

• Optiv: Optiv is a cybersecurity-focused solutions provider delivering advisory, integration, and managed security services to mid-market and enterprise clients — comparable to KIS's cybersecurity practice with overlap across vendors (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Splunk ecosystem) and similar NIST/CIS framework positioning, though Optiv is more specialized and does not match KIS's broader managed services and cloud scope.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kiskeepitsimple
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@kiskeepitsimple
• Facebookfacebook.com/KISCC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kis

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KIS