Choosing Between Northstar IT and Sysgen for Managed Services
SysGen Solutions Group is a Calgary-based MSP with a strong track record serving Alberta SMBs across industries. North Star is headquartered in Prince George and covers BC, Alberta, and Yukon, with additional capabilities in custom software, website development, and digital branding alongside core managed IT. Both firms target a similar client size; the main differences are geography, breadth of services, and engagement style.
Side-by-side overview
| Dimension | North Star | SysGen Solutions Group |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | SMB to mid-market in BC, AB, and Yukon | SMB to mid-market primarily in Alberta |
| HQ | Prince George, BC | Calgary, AB |
| Founded | Founded by Keegan Martin, headquartered in Prince George | Approximately 2000 |
| Engagement style | Founder-led with direct access to senior staff | Team-based managed services with structured helpdesk model |
| Local on-site (BC / AB / YT) | On-site across BC, AB, and Yukon | Based in Calgary with Alberta service area |
Who each firm serves best
When North Star fits
- Your business spans BC and Alberta and you want a single provider who covers both provinces with consistent on-site capability
- You need managed IT plus custom software or website support from the same team
- You are based in northern BC, Yukon, or a smaller community where most Alberta MSPs do not regularly travel on-site
- You want direct access to senior decision-makers and a flat monthly engagement with published pricing tiers
When SysGen Solutions Group fits
- You are an Alberta SMB with a preference for a Calgary-based team that is geographically close to your main office
- You need a provider with a well-established helpdesk infrastructure and a long track record serving Calgary-area clients
- Your primary focus is core managed IT services without a need for software development or digital branding
- You prefer working with a firm that has deep Calgary-market relationships and local vendor partnerships
What both firms do well
- Both firms target SMB and mid-market organisations and offer accessible, relationship-driven managed IT services
- Both provide Microsoft 365, cybersecurity, and backup and disaster recovery as standard managed service components
- Both are Canadian-owned and operated with an understanding of Canadian compliance and business norms
Common questions when comparing providers
Does SysGen serve BC businesses?
SysGen is headquartered in Calgary and primarily serves Alberta clients. North Star is based in Prince George and provides on-site coverage across BC, AB, and Yukon, making it a stronger fit if your operations span both provinces.
Can North Star support my Calgary office if I also have locations in BC?
Yes. North Star serves clients across BC, Alberta, and Yukon, including Calgary. If you have multi-location operations across those provinces, a provider with broad western coverage can simplify vendor management.
What services does North Star offer that SysGen does not?
Alongside core managed IT, North Star also provides custom software development, website design, e-commerce builds, and digital branding. These additional capabilities make North Star a broader technology partner for growing businesses.
How do I decide between two similarly sized MSPs?
Key questions: Where are your offices? Do you need on-site visits in northern or remote areas? Do you want software or web services bundled with IT support? The answers tend to point clearly to one firm over the other.
Want to see how North Star compares to your current provider?
Book a 30-minute scoping call. We will walk through your environment, your geography, and your priorities to help you figure out the right fit, even if that fit is not us.
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Frequently asked questions
What makes Northstar IT different from Sysgen?
Northstar IT focuses on a personalised, Western Canadian approach with a 24/7 local helpdesk and transparent, fixed-fee pricing. While both provide managed services, our deep roots in Prince George and coverage across BC, Alberta, and the Yukon ensure your team gets rapid, on-site or remote assistance without the complexity of larger national conglomerates. We prioritise long-term relationships and outcomes-based technology roadmaps tailored specifically for SMB and mid-market clients who require high-touch service.
Do you offer 24/7 support in British Columbia and Alberta?
Yes, Northstar IT provides around-the-clock monitoring and helpdesk support for businesses throughout British Columbia and Alberta. Whether you are in Vancouver, Calgary, or a remote location like Whitehorse, our team is available 24/7 to resolve issues before they impact your operations. This proactive stance ensures that your systems remain stable and your employees stay productive, regardless of the time or day, giving you peace of mind and reducing operational risk.
How does your managed IT pricing work?
We utilise a fixed-fee model that provides your business with predictable monthly costs, which is a core benefit of Northstar IT Canada services. This eliminates the surprise of overage charges often found with other providers. Our pricing includes comprehensive support, cybersecurity, and strategic planning, allowing you to budget effectively while receiving top-tier service. This approach aligns our goals with yours because we are incentivised to keep your network running smoothly rather than profiting from your downtime.