Managed services may not grab headlines like AI breakthroughs, but they’re the quiet backbone of enterprise IT. And for the second year in a row, EchoStor Technologies has earned a spot on the CRN MSP 500 list—this time in the Elite 150 category for 2026.
The annual MSP 500, published by CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, highlights leading managed service providers across North America. The Elite 150 tier specifically recognizes MSPs delivering a blend of on-premises and cloud-based services to midmarket and enterprise customers.
In a crowded services landscape, repeat recognition matters.
What the Elite 150 Signals
CRN’s MSP 500 is divided into three segments:
- Pioneer 250 – MSPs focused on small and midsize businesses
- Elite 150 – Providers serving midmarket and enterprise clients with hybrid service models
- Security MSP 100 – Firms specializing in cloud-based security services
Landing in the Elite 150 category places EchoStor among MSPs that support complex, hybrid IT environments—where on-prem infrastructure, cloud workloads, and cybersecurity demands intersect.
For enterprise customers juggling modernization initiatives, regulatory requirements, and cost controls, that hybrid expertise is increasingly table stakes.
Growth, Awards, and Expansion
EchoStor’s back-to-back recognition comes amid what the company describes as a strong growth trajectory in 2025. It reported significant revenue gains, earned a CRN Triple Crown Award, and completed the acquisition of CyberNorth to expand both its data protection capabilities and geographic footprint across the Northeastern U.S.
The acquisition strengthens EchoStor’s cybersecurity and resilience portfolio at a time when MSPs are under pressure to move beyond infrastructure management and into proactive risk mitigation.
Managed services are evolving. Traditional help desk and infrastructure support contracts are giving way to bundled offerings that integrate:
- Infrastructure operations
- Cybersecurity services
- Content management
- Maintenance as a Service
- ServiceNow-driven workflow automation
EchoStor’s portfolio reflects that shift, positioning it as a lifecycle services partner rather than a reactive IT support vendor.
The Bigger Picture: MSPs in the AI Era
As enterprises accelerate AI adoption and cloud transformation, MSPs are increasingly responsible for ensuring those environments are secure, optimized, and compliant.
The modern MSP must manage hybrid cloud estates, secure distributed workforces, integrate SaaS platforms, and support AI-driven workloads—all without inflating operational costs. That balancing act is driving consolidation in the MSP market and raising the bar for technical depth.
Recognition on the MSP 500 doesn’t just signal service reliability; it highlights firms adapting to the changing demands of enterprise IT.
For EchoStor, the repeat appearance suggests consistent execution during a period of expansion. And in the managed services business—where trust and long-term relationships often matter more than flashy innovation—that consistency is arguably the most valuable asset of all.
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