Advisory, Redefined.
The bladestack.io difference
At bladestack.io, we’re not just another advisory firm. We’re redefining what it means to provide advisory services in the technology and cybersecurity space.
Our “advisory-only” approach goes far beyond traditional consultation, offering deep, hands-on expertise without the conflicts of interest that can arise from assessment roles.
Advisory Only: Redefining Excellence in Technology Consulting
In the fast-paced world of technology and cybersecurity, organizations often find themselves at a crossroads, seeking guidance to navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities. Traditionally, they’ve turned to consulting firms for strategic advice and high-level planning. However, as the digital landscape evolves, the limitations of this conventional approach have become increasingly apparent. Enter bladestack.io – a pioneering force that’s not just participating in the advisory services industry, but fundamentally redefining it.
Standard consultants typically operate within a familiar paradigm: they offer strategic insights, create roadmaps, and provide recommendations. While valuable, this approach often falls short when it comes to the nitty-gritty of implementation. Many firms struggle to bridge the gap between high-level strategy and on-the-ground execution. They may lack the deep technical expertise required to address specific challenges, or they might be constrained by conflicts of interest arising from their dual roles in assessment and advisory services. The result? Organizations are left with impressive-looking reports but little practical support in turning plans into reality.
bladestack.io shatters this mold with our “Advisory Only” model. We’ve made a deliberate choice to focus exclusively on advisory services, freeing ourselves from the limitations and potential conflicts that come with assessment roles. But our definition of “advisory” goes far beyond what you might expect. We don’t just offer advice – we roll up our sleeves and get involved at every level. From crafting overarching strategies to diving deep into technical implementations, from augmenting your staff with our experts to providing fully managed services, we’re there every step of the way. Our advisory services encompass a comprehensive spectrum of support, ensuring that you have the expertise you need at every stage of your journey.
What sets bladestack.io apart is our unparalleled combination of strategic vision and technical prowess. Our team doesn’t just understand the big picture – we’re intimately familiar with the intricate details that make or break technology initiatives. This means we can seamlessly transition from boardroom discussions about digital transformation to hands-on coding sessions or cybersecurity implementations. We’re not constrained by traditional boundaries, allowing us to innovate freely and deliver solutions tailored precisely to your unique challenges. With bladestack.io, you’re not just getting consultants – you’re gaining a partner deeply invested in your success, equipped with the skills and dedication to turn ambitious goals into tangible realities. Welcome to the future of advisory services – welcome to bladestack.io.
How bladestack.io compares to Standard Advisory Firms
| Aspect | Competing Advisory/Consulting Firms | bladestack.io |
|---|---|---|
| Service Model |
Primarily offer high-level strategy and recommendations. They might provide a roadmap for digital transformation but often stop short of actual implementation.
Example: A firm might recommend adopting a cloud-first strategy and suggest potential vendors, but leave the client to figure out the migration process. |
Comprehensive "Advisory Only" model covering strategy through implementation. We don't just tell you what to do; we help you do it. Example: We not only recommend a cloud strategy but also assist in vendor selection, plan the migration process, and provide hands-on support during the actual migration |
| Depth of Engagement |
Often surface-level; may struggle with technical specifics. Consultants might have broad knowledge but lack deep expertise in specific technologies.
Example: A consultant might recommend implementing a new CRM system but may not be able to advise on the technical challenges of integrating it with existing systems. |
Deep engagement at all levels, from C-suite strategy to hands-on technical implementation. Our experts are equally comfortable in the boardroom and in the server room. Example: We can discuss CRM strategy with the CEO, work out integration plans with the CTO, and then roll up our sleeves to help the IT team with the actual system integration. |
| Technical Expertise |
Generalist knowledge; often need to bring in external specialists for technical details. This can lead to fragmented advice and implementation.
Example: A firm might need to subcontract a database specialist to advise on optimizing database performance, leading to potential communication gaps. |
In-house expertise across a wide range of technical areas, including cybersecurity, cloud architecture, and software development. Our team has the depth and breadth to handle complex technical challenges. Example: Our in-house experts can not only advise on database optimization but also implement the changes, ensuring a seamless process from recommendation to execution. |
| Implementation Support |
Limited; typically provide recommendations without direct implementation assistance. Clients are often left to implement complex strategies on their own.
Example: A firm might recommend a new cybersecurity framework but leave the client to figure out how to implement it across their systems. |
Direct, hands-on implementation support and systems engineering. We don't just advise, we help execute, ensuring that strategies are effectively implemented. Example: After recommending a cybersecurity framework, we work alongside your team to implement it, configuring systems, setting up monitoring tools, and training staff. |
| Staff Augmentation |
Rarely offered; focus on advisory role only. Clients often need to hire additional staff or contractors to fill skill gaps.
Example: If a client lacks expertise in implementation, a standard firm might recommend hiring an specialist but not offer to fill that role themselves. |
Provided as part of our comprehensive services; we seamlessly integrate our experts into your team to fill skill gaps and drive projects forward. Example: If you need expertise for a project, we can embed our specialists within your team for the duration of the project, providing hands-on expertise and knowledge transfer. |
| Managed Services |
Often not available or outsourced to third parties, leading to potential inconsistencies in service quality and communication challenges.
Example: A firm might recommend a managed security service but then refer you to a third-party provider, creating an additional relationship for you to manage. |
Fully managed services offered in-house, ensuring consistency, quality, and seamless communication. Example: We can provide a complete managed security service, from strategy development to 24/7 monitoring and incident response, all handled by our in-house team. |
| Conflict of Interest |
May have conflicts due to dual roles in assessment and advisory. This can lead to recommendations that aren't always in the client's best interest.
Example: A firm that also provides advisory in addition to assessments might be biased towards recommending their own advisory service, even if they're not the best fit for the client as the organization is not primarily structured for advisory engagements, only to win the work. |
Strictly advisory, eliminating potential conflicts and ensuring unbiased recommendations focused solely on the client's best interests. Example: We do not perform assessments. We have partners we can recommend but when recommending partners, we consider all options on the market and suggest the best fit for your specific needs, without any bias towards particular vendors. |
| Innovation Capability |
Often constrained by traditional models and assessment duties. May be slow to adopt or recommend new technologies.
Example: A firm might hesitate to recommend emerging technologies like blockchain due to lack of familiarity or concerns about assessment implications. |
Free to innovate and provide cutting-edge solutions without limitations. We stay at the forefront of technological advancements. Example: If blockchain technology could benefit your business, we not only recommend it but also help design and implement a blockchain solution tailored to your needs. |
| Customization of Solutions |
Tend to offer standardized solutions or frameworks that may not perfectly fit a client's unique situation.
Example: A firm might apply a standard digital transformation framework to all clients, regardless of their specific industry challenges. |
Highly tailored, expert solutions designed for each client's unique needs and challenges. We believe in bespoke solutions, not one-size-fits-all approaches. Example: Our digital transformation strategies are built from the ground up for each client, taking into account your specific industry, market position, technical debt, and future goals. |
| Breadth of Expertise |
Often specialized in specific areas (e.g., strategy, IT, finance), requiring clients to engage multiple firms for comprehensive coverage.
Example: A client might need to hire separate firms for advisory, implementation, IT strategy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. |
Comprehensive expertise across technology, cybersecurity, compliance, and business strategy. We provide a single point of contact for all your advisory needs. Example: We can handle your IT strategy, cybersecurity implementation, and regulatory compliance needs under one roof, ensuring a cohesive and integrated approach. |
| Ongoing Support |
Often limited; may create dependency on consultants. Knowledge often leaves with the consultants at the end of a project.
Example: Consultants might set up a new platform but not fully train your team on how to maintain and extend it. |
Continuous engagement and support, adapting to your evolving needs. We're in it for the long haul. Example: After an ERP implementation, we continue to work with you, optimizing the system, training new staff, and helping you leverage new features as your business grows. |
| Technological Adaptability |
May lag in adopting or recommending cutting-edge technologies due to lack of hands-on experience or risk aversion.
Example: A firm might be hesitant to recommend adopting AI-driven predictive maintenance due to limited practical experience with the technology. |
Always at the forefront of technological advancements, incorporating the latest innovations into our advisory services. We're early adopters and expert implementers.
Example: We not only recommend AI-driven predictive maintenance but can also help you pilot the technology, integrate it with your existing systems, and train your team to maximize its benefits. |
| Regulatory Compliance |
General awareness, but may lack deep expertise in implementation. Often focused on high-level compliance strategies.
Example: A firm might advise on FedRAMP requirements but struggle to provide specific technical implementations to ensure compliance. |
In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements and hands-on experience in implementing compliant systems. We bridge the gap between compliance theory and practice. Example: For FedRAMP compliance, we not only advise on requirements but also help implement necessary federal data protection measures, set up consent management systems, and establish ongoing compliance monitoring processes. |
| Cost Structure |
Often high hourly rates with additional costs for specialized expertise. Costs can quickly escalate for complex projects.
Example: A client might face unexpected additional charges when a project requires bringing in a specialized technical expert not included in the original proposal. |
Value-based pricing aligned with delivered outcomes; no hidden costs for bringing in additional expertise. Our comprehensive team means no surprises. Example: Our pricing is based on project outcomes rather than hourly rates. If we need to bring in specialized expertise, it's included in our original proposal - no surprise charges. |
| Client Relationship |
Often transactional, based on specific projects or engagements. Relationship may end once a project is complete.
Example: A firm might engage for a specific digital transformation project, but have no ongoing relationship once the project is complete. |
Long-term partnership focused on your ongoing success and evolution. We're invested in your long-term growth and success. Example: We maintain an ongoing relationship, regularly reviewing your technology landscape, advising on new opportunities, and helping you stay ahead of industry trends and challenges. |
| Knowledge Transfer |
Often limited; may create dependency on consultants. Knowledge often leaves with the consultants at the end of a project.
Example: Consultants might set up a new data analytics system but not fully train your team on how to maintain and extend it. |
Emphasis on empowering your team through knowledge sharing and skill development. We aim to enhance your internal capabilities.
Example: When implementing a data analytics system, we work closely with your team, providing comprehensive training and documentation to ensure you can maintain and expand the system independently. |
Sound too good to be true? Contact a Cyber-Samurai today and we'll be happy to provide you with a FREE consultation.
Contacting bladestack.io puts you in direct contact with our Lead Samurais to discuss your cybersecurity requirements. After an initial introductory call, we offer additional unbilled consulting time until you are comfortable to proceed to the next steps. Feel free to bring your engineering and security teams and let’s start solving your security and compliance challenges.