The Challenge
First, they decided to transition from the MSP model to the cloud model—not just because it was right for their business, but because it was right for their clients. “The case for the cloud was as compelling to our clients as it was to us,” said Dimka. “When we began presenting the economic case for cloud versus on-premises computing, our clients were immediately receptive—even excited.”
Once the focus of the business turned to cloud computing, growth accelerated dramatically. Momentum grew over 2008 and 2009 as more small businesses embraced this new model. In 2011 and 2012, Uptime’s total business grew 50% and 64% respectively.
More importantly, cloud-based services grew 145% in 2012—and now represent 75% of the company’s revenue stream.
The second decision Uptime Systems made in 2008 was to focus on and expand their expertise in the legal market. This, too, paid off—today, two-thirds of their business is centered on the legal vertical. And now much of their marketing—including online advertising and telemarketing—focuses on bringing the benefits of the cloud to legal services around the country.
“Our vision is to become the go-to company for cloud services for attorneys,” says Dimka. “We choose to work with attorneys because they have a lot to gain from the cloud. They have a lot at stake. Security, reliability, mobility, flexibility and business continuity are all critical to law firms, and most law offices simply cannot accept technology problems. Add to that the very compelling financial case for the cloud and it’s a great opportunity for the majority of legal offices.”