North Star vs Bulletproof
Bulletproof is a Fredericton-based managed IT and cybersecurity company that has grown into a national provider under the GLI Company umbrella, with a strong emphasis on security, compliance, and IT service desk. North Star is a Prince George, BC firm focused on Western Canada with hands-on local support and a broader service mix that includes custom software and digital services. Both target SMB and mid-market clients; geography and on-site capability are the main differentiators.
Side-by-side overview
| Dimension | North Star | Bulletproof, a GLI Company |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | SMB to mid-market in BC, AB, and Yukon | SMB to mid-market across Canada, Eastern Canada origins |
| HQ | Prince George, BC | Fredericton, NB |
| Founded | Founded by Keegan Martin, headquartered in Prince George | 2001 |
| Engagement style | Founder-led, direct access to senior staff | National MSP model with 24/7 managed security focus |
| Local on-site (BC / AB / YT) | On-site across BC, AB, and Yukon | National remote delivery; on-site coverage varies by location |
Who each firm serves best
When North Star fits
- Your business is in BC, Alberta, or Yukon and you want a local provider who can send staff on-site when needed
- You need managed IT and cybersecurity combined with custom software or web services from a single team
- You prefer direct communication with senior staff who understand your local business environment and industries
- You want a provider with roots in Western Canada who understands regional sectors like forestry, mining, oilfield, and resource industries
When Bulletproof, a GLI Company fits
- Your primary operations are in Atlantic Canada or Eastern Canada where Bulletproof has its strongest on-site presence
- You need a managed security provider with a dedicated 24/7 MXDR security operations centre as the centrepiece of your programme
- You are a business with compliance requirements that benefit from Bulletproof's established compliance programme track record
- You want a provider backed by the resources of a larger corporate group (GLI Company) for added stability and depth
What both firms do well
- Both firms prioritise cybersecurity alongside managed IT, treating security as a core service rather than an add-on
- Both offer 24/7 IT service desk and proactive managed services to SMB and mid-market clients
- Both are Canadian-owned and operate under Canadian data privacy and compliance frameworks
Common questions when comparing providers
Does Bulletproof have an office in Western Canada?
Bulletproof is headquartered in Fredericton, NB, and operates as a national remote delivery provider. North Star is headquartered in Prince George, BC, with on-site capability across BC, Alberta, and Yukon, which matters when your team needs in-person support.
How does Bulletproof's cybersecurity focus compare to North Star's?
Bulletproof's MXDR (managed extended detection and response) programme is a strong offering for organisations whose primary requirement is a dedicated security operations centre. North Star integrates cybersecurity into a broader managed IT programme, which suits most SMBs who want security without running a separate SOC relationship.
What does being a GLI Company mean for Bulletproof clients?
GLI (Gaming Laboratories International) is Bulletproof's parent company. This ownership provides organisational stability and resources, but also means Bulletproof's corporate priorities include gaming and lottery sector clients alongside general IT. North Star is a purpose-built Western Canadian IT firm with no conflicting vertical focuses.
Can Bulletproof support my BC or Alberta office?
Bulletproof can provide remote managed IT and cybersecurity support to clients anywhere in Canada. If your team needs regular on-site visits in BC, Alberta, or Yukon, a locally headquartered firm like North Star will typically be faster and more cost-effective for on-site work.
Want a Western Canada-based IT partner who can show up in person?
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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