That pretty much explains Continuum's approach to business, software development and MSP partner support. Some cases in point:
- Software Deadlines: I've lost track of the number, but I believe Continuum's RMM (remote monitoring and management) platform has received on-time monthly updates for roughly 50 consecutive months.
- Hiring Deadlines: Continuum has grown from roughly 430 employees in 2011 to roughly 1200 today. First up was a management team buildout, then came key hires across RMM, NOC (network operations center), BDR (backup and disaster recovery), marketing, sales, support and so-on.
- Analytics-driven Deadlines: CMO Jeanne Hopkins, a Hubspot veteran, arrived in 2013 and launched data-driven marketing programs, allowing the company to more effectively measure its progress -- while marching toward the next business goal.
- Build-out Deadlines: Faced with an expiring office lease in Boston, the company earlier this month relocated its headquarters to the city's financial district -- where it now neighbors numerous technology and financial companies.
Where It All Started
Rewind to 2011, and few would have predicted Continuum's current momentum. The company was born when Summit Partners acquired the RMM and NOC (network operations center) assets from Zenith Infotech. Around the time of the deal, Zenith Infotech defaulted on a bond payment, and that company ultimately wound down in 2014.In terms of perception, the Zenith Infotech fallout could have tarnished Continuum -- which was known as Zenith RMM at the time. The two companies had no financial ties, but skeptics could have painted a "guilty by association" picture. Instead of waiting for the dust to settle over at Zenith Infotech, the newly installed Zenith RMM management team in 2011 focused on a corporate rebranding (i.e., Continuum) and endless road trips to meet the company's MSP base.During my conversations with Michael George at the time, he could sense my skepticism. I openly wondered: Did the world really need another RMM company -- especially one that was led by enterprise-class executives rather than SMB entrepreneurs? Fast forward to the present and I've eaten crow multiple times.The Continuum management team -- culled from companies like Citi, IBM,OATSystems and Sallie Mae -- brought discipline to the business and its far-flung operations, including key offices in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Boston, Mass; and India.Where It's Going Next
Continuum remains in growth mode on multiple fronts. The company's new Boston-based headquarters houses about 80 of the company's 1,200 employees. But the location has enough space for roughly 70 more hires -- perhaps even more.The company's partner base also is evolving. Sure, bread-and-butter MSPs that offer SMB server, desktop and mobile support remain core to the company. But a new generation of MSPs also has emerged within Continuum's ecosystem.
