Tags: Cabling & Networking, Infrastructure, it strategy, Startup IT Enablement
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Prolift needed enterprise-grade IT from day one. Fusion provided the full stack: infrastructure, security, and strategic planning.
The startup launched with the same IT capabilities as established competitors, without the headcount.
Mike Pearlstein is CEO of Fusion Computing and holds the CISSP, the gold standard in cybersecurity certification. He has led Fusion’s managed IT and cybersecurity practice since 2012, serving Canadian businesses across Toronto, Hamilton, and Metro Vancouver.
Prolift: Enterprise IT From Day One
Startup IT deployment means getting a new business from zero to fully operational IT infrastructure in days, not months. This includes Microsoft 365 setup, endpoint security, network configuration, backup systems, and help desk access – all deployed by an MSP so the founding team can focus on the business, not on technology setup.
Introduction
Launching a startup is never easy, especially when your business depends on precision, safety, and seamless coordination across teams and technology. For Prolift Crane & Hoist, a rising star in the overhead crane systems industry, hitting the ground running meant building a complete IT infrastructure from scratch. With no in-house IT team and tight deadlines, they needed a partner who couldn’t only move quickly but also think strategically and grow alongside them. They found a partner in Fusion Computing.
Fusion Computing has supported Canadian businesses since 2012, delivering managed IT and cybersecurity services with a 93% first-contact resolution rate. The company’s CISSP-certified security leadership and CIS Controls v8.1 alignment serve organizations with 10 to 150 employees across Toronto, Hamilton, and Vancouver.
According to CompTIA, startups that launch with managed IT services reach operational stability 60% faster than those that build internal IT teams from scratch.
The Challenge: Starting from Zero
A folding table and unboxed equipment is what starting-from-zero IT actually looks like.
Starting a business from a blank slate is daunting. For Prolift, the challenge was clear: they needed to get their entire IT ecosystem up and running fast, with no margin for error. This included:
Immediate setup of business systems
Procurement of essential devices and hardware
Structured cabling and facility-wide networking
Reliable, secure Wi-Fi from day one
Guidance on core platforms like Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Dynamics
With so much riding on a fast, stable launch, delays were not an option. Prolift had to get it right the first time, or risk losing revenue, missing customer deadlines, and unnecessary internal stress. But without an internal IT team, that was easier said than done.
Fusion Computing’s Strategic Solution: A Startup-Friendly, All-in-One Approach
A printed all-in-one runbook is what startup-stage MSP scope actually fits in.
When Prolift turned to Fusion Computing, they found more than just a vendor; they found a partner who understood the urgency and complexity of startups. Rather than delivering fragmented services, Fusion offered a comprehensive IT foundation that covered every critical layer, with speed and clarity.
Here’s how Fusion stepped up:
Installed structured cabling and comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage throughout Prolift’s facility to ensure fast, reliable connectivity
Procured and deployed all the necessary hardware and devices, so Prolift’s team could start working without delay
Connected Prolift with trusted Microsoft Dynamics partners to ensure smooth ERP onboarding and integration
Leveraged Fusion’s extensive partner ecosystem to streamline vendor management, cutting out weeks (or months) of research and coordination
Within just days, Prolift had a secure, scalable, and fully functional IT environment, ready to support their team, customers, and growth ambitions from day one.
Results & Business Impact: Day One to Long-Term Growth
Successfully launched multiple downtown Toronto retail locations, each built with a consistent security and IT operations framework.
Enabled scalable operations that supported growth while maintaining strict regulatory compliance.
Delivered a seamless customer experience, with reliable Wi-Fi, fast POS transactions, and secure browsing environments.
Ensured 24/7 monitoring and endpoint protection, reducing risk exposure and allowing the client to focus on business growth.
Going Beyond the Basics
A roadmap on a startup whiteboard is what going-beyond-basics actually looks like.
What truly set Fusion apart was its partner ecosystem. Instead of Prolift wasting time juggling vendor comparisons and multiple contracts, Fusion brought in the right partners at the right moment, simplifying the process and accelerating results. Fusion spoke Prolift’s language, cutting through the noise to deliver exactly what was needed for growth without distractions. This holistic approach transformed the IT setup from a potential headache into a competitive advantage.
Conclusion
Prolift Crane & Hoist hit the ground running. With the right technology, proper support, and zero wasted motion, that’s where lasting momentum begins. Fusion Computing delivered a future-ready IT foundation built for speed, security, and scale. This story is a powerful reminder: with the right IT partner, technology doesn’t slow you down, it launches you forward.
Starting fresh? Start smart
If you’re building something big, don’t let IT hold you back. Let’s talk about how Fusion Computing can help you launch strong and scale smarter
Growth metrics at a glance
Day-One Ready | Core Systems Live at Launch | Built to Scale Beyond Startup Phase
“We doubled headcount in 8 months after landing two major contracts. Every new hire needed a laptop provisioned, accounts set up, security configured, and access to our stack, usually within 48 hours. Fusion handled every onboarding without us having to micromanage it.”
Why this matters for Canadian startups: Statistics Canada reports that small businesses with fewer than 100 employees account for roughly 98 percent of all employer firms in Canada, and StatCan business survey data shows the first 18 months are when cyber and operational risk peak. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (cyber.gc.ca) recommends its baseline cyber security controls for small and medium organizations as the day-one floor, while Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ised-isde.canada.ca) confirms that startups deploying managed IT and cloud platforms scale revenue faster than peers self-building infrastructure. The Business Development Bank of Canada (bdc.ca) further notes that founder time spent on technology setup is the single largest hidden cost in the launch year, which is exactly the cost Prolift avoided by partnering with Fusion. Sources: statcan.gc.ca, cyber.gc.ca, ised-isde.canada.ca, bdc.ca.
What was Prolift’s biggest IT challenge as a startup?
Prolift needed a complete IT environment up and running fast with no internal IT team and no existing infrastructure. They required business systems setup, hardware procurement, structured cabling, secure Wi-Fi, and guidance on platforms like Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Dynamics, all before they could start serving customers.
How quickly did Fusion get Prolift operational?
Within days, Fusion delivered a fully functional IT environment. This included structured cabling, facility-wide Wi-Fi, deployed hardware and devices, a secure Microsoft 365 environment, and connections to Microsoft Dynamics partners for ERP onboarding. Prolift’s team could start working immediately without weeks of vendor coordination and setup delays.
Why is structured cabling important for a new business facility?
Structured cabling is the physical backbone of your entire network. Done right from the start, it supports fast and reliable connectivity, simplifies troubleshooting, and makes future expansions far easier. For Prolift, having professional cabling installed during facility setup meant they didn’t have to rework infrastructure as the business grew.
How did Fusion help Prolift navigate vendor relationships?
Fusion’s partner ecosystem meant Prolift didn’t have to research and vet every vendor independently. Fusion connected them to trusted Microsoft Dynamics partners and handled vendor coordination across multiple service categories. This saved weeks of work and let the Prolift team stay focused on their core crane and hoist business.
What does Microsoft 365 setup include for a new business?
A proper Microsoft 365 deployment goes beyond just activating accounts. Fusion configured secure email, Teams collaboration, OneDrive and SharePoint file storage, and appropriate licensing for each user. Security policies, multi-factor authentication, and admin controls were all set up so Prolift started with a solid security baseline rather than patching it in later.
Can managed IT support a startup without slowing it down?
Absolutely. Managed IT is often a better fit for startups than hiring in-house because you get immediate access to a full team with specialized skills. Fusion let Prolift focus entirely on their crane business while handling all the IT infrastructure, vendor management, and ongoing support in the background.
Fusion Computing has provided managed IT, cybersecurity, and AI consulting to Canadian businesses since 2012. Led by a CISSP-certified team, Fusion supports organizations with 10 to 150 employees from Toronto, Hamilton, and Metro Vancouver.
93% of issues resolved on the first call. Named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed IT Companies two years running.
