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Our History

Building a Legacy of Innovation and Trusted Partnerships

Take a Look at the Events that Have Shaped DP Solutions Throughout its 50+ Year History

DP Solutions History Timeline

DPS Logo Original

Company is Founded

Data Processing Solutions, Inc. is founded by Michael W. Stevenson on September 30, 1971, laying the groundwork for decades of innovation in IT services. In the same year, the company establishes a key partnership with IBM, setting the stage for future growth and success.

1971
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Brian Usher Joins DP Solutions

Brian Usher, current Owner and CFO, joins DP Solutions, bringing a vision for financial excellence and strategic growth that continues to shape the company’s success today.

1986
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Building Strong Industry Partnerships

DP Solutions establishes key partnerships with Microsoft and HP, forming relationships that drive innovation and deliver lasting value for clients for years to come.

1990
Mike Stevenson

A Legacy Continues

Following the tragic passing of founder Michael Stevenson in a plane crash on December 2, 1993, ownership transitions to the Usher family. This pivotal moment honors Stevenson’s vision while paving the way for a new chapter in DP Solutions’ journey.

1993
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First Major Acquisition

The acquisition of Computer Aid brings invaluable talent to DP Solutions, including future presidents Simon Tutt and Karyn Schell. This milestone strengthens the company’s leadership and expertise, driving its growth and success.

1996
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Onsite Data Center Established

DP Solutions enhances its capabilities with the construction of a cutting-edge onsite data center at its Columbia, MD headquarters, providing clients with secure, reliable, and scalable IT solutions.

2000
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Going for the Gold

DP Solutions achieves Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status, highlighting its expertise, and acquires Paragon Smart Technologies, expanding its services and market presence.

2004
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A New President

Simon Tutt is appointed President & CEO, leading DP Solutions into a new era of growth and innovation.

2006
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Becoming an MSP

DP Solutions adds Managed IT Services and a locally staffed, onsite Service Desk. The acquisition of Advanced Technologies Support Group (ATSG) strengthens its service offerings.

2009
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A New Look for the Future

The company undergoes a significant transformation, unveiling its current logo as part of a comprehensive rebranding effort, symbolizing innovation, growth, and a renewed commitment to excellence.

2013
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Recognized Among the Industry's Best

The company earns its first spot on the prestigious CRN MSP 500 list, marking a milestone achievement and solidifying its position as a leader in managed IT services.

2014
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Client Bill of Rights

The company introduces its Client Bill of Rights, formalizing a pledge to provide unparalleled service, transparency, and support, ensuring every client relationship is built on trust and respect.

2015
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Strategic Growth Through Acquisition

The acquisition of Choice Technologies marks a transformative year for the company, effectively doubling its workforce and bringing onboard exceptional talent, including current COO Melissa Bryant and VP of Client Strategy Ken Goldstein. This milestone fuels the company’s expansion and strengthens its leadership team.

2016
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Karyn Schell Named President

Karyn Schell is appointed as the company’s first female president, marking a pivotal moment in its history and underscoring a commitment to inclusive leadership and innovation at the helm.

2018
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Rising to the Challenge During a Global Crisis

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, DP Solutions enables mass client transitions to remote work, ensuring business continuity. Virtual meetings emerge as a key tool for collaboration and communication.

2020
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Celebrating 50 Years of IT Excellence

DP Solutions marks a remarkable milestone—50 years of delivering innovative IT services, trusted solutions, and exceptional client support, cementing its legacy as an industry leader.

2021

We’re a Different Type of IT Company

Founded by Michael Stevenson in 1971, DP Solutions was a privately held company with a mission to provide corporations with high quality technology services to improve their business processes. At the time, we offered server maintenance, application development, and data processing. Our offices were in the basement of our founder’s house.
 
DP Solutions grew as the IT industry grew, by partnering with technology giants like IBM, Microsoft, and others—and expanding our capabilities to offer a wide range of top-of-the-line IT services and solutions. We tracked trends to meet our clients’ continually evolving needs—mastering PCs, building networks, creating a Datacenter, and becoming experts in virtualization.
 
With the explosion of the digital age in the 1990s, DP Solutions added Internet applications and custom software solutions. Today, we’re at the forefront of delivering world class managed network services, managed hosting, and managed disaster recovery solutions supported by our talented service desk.
 
Our mission is quite simply to provide secure, efficient, reliable, and innovative IT service that delivers outstanding client satisfaction—and gets results. We’re your single point of contact for all of your technology needs.
 
From the very beginning, DP Solutions set out to be a different type of IT company—one that not only delivered superior technology solutions to its clients, but also brought personal care, passion, and attention, because WE CARE DEEPLY about our clients’ experience! DP Solutions is a great place to work. We are truly committed to excellence in our work ethic, in the products and services we provide, and in our valued relationships with clients, employees, industries, and communities.
 
Through our adherence to best practices, we’re committed to the long-term development of every customer we serve, no matter their size. Today with over 1,000 satisfied clients locally and nationwide, DP Solutions is the premier IT technology solutions provider in the mid-Atlantic, serving as the IT company of choice throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia—and beyond.
 

Our history is notable, but see what we’re doing today. Meet and learn from some of our leading IT experts. Check the latest schedule for events to find out where we’re going to be.