Case Study: Applied Connective Technologies achieves double-digit monthly recurring revenue growth with Barracuda Networks

Backup Appliance Provides Basis for Fixed-Fee Managed Services

Applied Connective Technologies (ACT), founded in 2004 in Albion, NE, grew from a commercial phone systems provider into a full-service IT, networking and physical security firm with four local offices. After Ed Knott became sole owner, ACT shifted from break‑fix and per‑device/person pricing to a fixed‑fee, value‑based managed services model to create predictable revenue and make services easier to sell and manage.

ACT bundled remote monitoring, antivirus, backup/disaster recovery, hardware, phone systems and video surveillance into one fixed monthly fee and partnered with Barracuda MSP for on‑site appliances and cloud backups. The approach delivered double‑digit monthly recurring revenue growth: MRR now accounts for 30% of revenue (projected to reach 45% next year), enabled sub‑hour ransomware recovery for at least one customer, and provides a reliable, easy‑to‑sell business continuity solution that avoids costly downtime and ransom payments.

Applied Connective Technologies

Ed Knott

Owner