Upstarts And Start-Ups: Guardian Technologies

,Jason Prost, president, CEO

Guardian was formed by five employees from Telenisus, which in December sold its managed services business to VeriSign and then in February sold its security services business to Forsythe Solutions Group. Guardian President and CEO Jason Prost said he and his partners left Telenisus before they became aware of the sale to Forsythe, but they sensed the company was sliding toward bankruptcy and their reputations were at stake. "We had to answer a lot of questions from our clients," he said. "We had been through three name changes. A lot of baggage comes from such changes. The clients want the expertise we offer."

Guardian's core competency is in integrating security solutions. The company will offer its services direct to its clients, which include many former Telenisus clients. It will also look to offer services to other solution providers.