22+ Years of Protecting Businesses
Across the Triangle and Beyond
From a one-person startup in Raleigh, NC to a nationally recognized cybersecurity and IT services powerhouse serving 2,500+ companies, Petronella Technology Group has been on a relentless mission to safeguard businesses since day one. Discover the milestones, pivots, and principles that shaped PTG into the Triangle's most trusted technology partner.
Why So Many Businesses Struggle to Find a Technology Partner They Can Trust
For organizations in the Raleigh-Durham area and across the Research Triangle Park, selecting an IT provider has always been fraught with uncertainty. The technology landscape shifts at breakneck speed, and what worked five years ago is often dangerously outdated today. Small and mid-size businesses face a perfect storm of challenges: sophisticated cyberattacks targeting companies with limited security budgets, regulatory frameworks like HIPAA and PCI-DSS that grow more complex each year, and a chronic shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals willing to work outside of the enterprise space.
Many business owners in the Triangle have been burned by IT vendors who overpromise and underdeliver, leaving critical systems exposed and budgets drained. Fly-by-night operations set up shop, sign a few contracts, and then vanish when a real crisis hits. Others rely on a patchwork of freelancers and break-fix technicians who lack the strategic vision to align technology with long-term business goals. The result is a landscape littered with organizations that have suffered data breaches, extended downtime, compliance violations, and lost revenue because they could not find a partner with the depth of experience and commitment required to protect modern digital operations. That revolving door of mediocre service providers creates a trust deficit that makes it even harder for genuinely excellent firms to earn the confidence of skeptical business leaders.
A Legacy Built on Integrity, Innovation, and Uncompromising Security
Petronella Technology Group was founded by Craig Petronella with a simple but powerful conviction: every business deserves enterprise-grade cybersecurity and IT support, regardless of size. What started as a vision in the early 2000s has grown into one of the most respected managed service providers in North Carolina, with a track record that includes zero breaches among clients who implemented our full security recommendations over more than two decades of continuous operation.
Craig recognized early on that the traditional break-fix model of IT support was fundamentally broken. Waiting for systems to fail before responding meant businesses were always one step behind the threats. Instead, PTG pioneered a proactive approach in the Triangle market, building layered security architectures, implementing continuous monitoring, and developing incident response plans long before they became industry standard practices. This forward-thinking methodology allowed PTG to grow alongside the Research Triangle Park technology corridor, earning the trust of healthcare organizations, law firms, financial services companies, government contractors, and small businesses throughout Wake, Durham, and Orange counties.
Over the years, PTG has continually reinvented its service portfolio to stay ahead of evolving threats. From early adoption of cloud migration strategies to the development of comprehensive compliance frameworks for HIPAA, CMMC, SOC 2, and PCI-DSS, the company has never rested on its laurels. Every new technology trend, every emerging threat vector, and every regulatory change has been met with rigorous research, strategic planning, and disciplined execution. Craig has personally led this culture of continuous improvement, earning multiple industry certifications and building a team of specialists who share his obsession with protecting client data and infrastructure. That consistency of leadership and vision over 22-plus years is something few competitors in the Raleigh-Durham market can match.
Defining Moments in the PTG Journey
Every chapter of our history reflects a deeper commitment to protecting the businesses that trust us with their most critical assets.
The Founding Vision
Craig Petronella launched PTG in the early 2000s from a small office in Raleigh, North Carolina, driven by the belief that cybersecurity should not be a luxury reserved for Fortune 500 corporations. At a time when most small businesses viewed antivirus software as sufficient protection, Craig was already thinking about firewalls, intrusion detection, and layered defense strategies. Those early years were defined by hands-on, relationship-driven service delivery, with Craig personally visiting client sites across Wake County to assess vulnerabilities and implement solutions. That grassroots approach built the trust and reputation that would fuel PTG's growth for decades to come, establishing a client-first ethos that remains at the heart of the organization.
Transition to Managed Services
As the limitations of the break-fix model became increasingly apparent, PTG made a strategic pivot to managed IT services. This transition was not merely a business decision but a philosophical one. Craig understood that reactive support left clients exposed during the critical window between a system failure and a technician's arrival. By deploying remote monitoring and management tools, implementing automated patch management, and establishing 24/7 network operations capabilities, PTG transformed from a reactive repair shop into a proactive technology partner. The managed services model aligned incentives perfectly: PTG succeeded when clients experienced fewer problems, not more. This shift dramatically reduced downtime for PTG clients across the Research Triangle and created a predictable cost structure that helped small businesses budget for technology with confidence.
Cybersecurity Center of Excellence
Recognizing that cybersecurity was rapidly becoming the most critical concern for businesses of every size, PTG invested heavily in building a dedicated cybersecurity practice. This was not a superficial rebranding exercise. The company recruited certified security analysts, deployed advanced threat detection platforms, and developed proprietary assessment methodologies tailored to the compliance requirements common among Triangle NC businesses. PTG established its Security Operations Center capabilities with continuous monitoring, threat hunting, and rapid incident response. The results speak for themselves: across 2,500-plus client engagements spanning more than two decades, PTG has maintained a record of zero breaches. That statistic is not just a marketing talking point; it represents countless hours of vigilant monitoring, proactive patching, and meticulous security architecture design.
Cloud Transformation Leadership
When cloud computing began reshaping the IT landscape, PTG was among the first MSPs in the Raleigh-Durham corridor to develop comprehensive cloud migration and management services. Rather than viewing the cloud as a threat to the traditional on-premises support model, Craig embraced it as an opportunity to deliver more resilient, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. PTG built deep expertise across Microsoft 365, Azure, AWS, and hybrid cloud architectures, helping hundreds of Triangle businesses modernize their infrastructure while maintaining the security controls and compliance postures their industries demanded. The company's cloud practice became a key growth driver, particularly during periods of rapid remote work adoption, when organizations needed to scale their digital operations quickly without sacrificing security or productivity.
Compliance and Governance Expertise
As regulatory requirements intensified across healthcare, finance, government contracting, and other sectors, PTG invested in developing best-in-class compliance advisory services. The company assembled a team of specialists fluent in HIPAA, CMMC, SOC 2, PCI-DSS, NIST, and other frameworks critical to businesses operating in and around the Research Triangle. This expertise allowed PTG to serve as a one-stop compliance partner, guiding organizations from initial gap assessments through remediation, documentation, and audit preparation. For many clients, PTG's compliance services became as valuable as its technical support, providing the peace of mind that comes from knowing every regulatory box is checked and every audit trail is meticulously maintained across their entire technology environment.
Community Engagement and Education
Throughout its history, PTG has been deeply committed to the Raleigh-Durham community. Craig Petronella has been a prolific educator, hosting podcasts, publishing whitepapers, leading webinars, and speaking at industry events to raise awareness about cybersecurity best practices. The company established a scholarship program for North Carolina students pursuing technology and cybersecurity careers, investing in the next generation of IT professionals. PTG has also partnered with local business organizations, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit groups across Wake, Durham, and Orange counties to deliver free security awareness training and technology education. This community-first approach has not only strengthened the Triangle's overall cybersecurity posture but has also reinforced PTG's reputation as a company that genuinely cares about the region it serves and the people who call it home.
Two Decades of Growth, Innovation, and Trust
PTG Founded in Raleigh, NC
Craig Petronella establishes Petronella Technology Group to provide IT support and cybersecurity services to small and mid-size businesses in the Triangle. The company begins with a focus on break-fix support but quickly differentiates itself through proactive monitoring and a security-first mindset that resonates with local business leaders.
Managed Services Model Adopted
PTG transitions to a managed services model, deploying remote monitoring, automated alerting, and proactive maintenance across its client base. This shift reduces client downtime by more than sixty percent and establishes the predictable, subscription-based pricing that allows businesses to budget for IT with greater confidence and transparency.
Cybersecurity Practice Expansion
As cyber threats evolve, PTG invests in dedicated security operations, advanced threat detection, and vulnerability assessment tools. The company achieves multiple industry certifications and begins offering comprehensive security audits to businesses across the Research Triangle Park.
Cloud and Compliance Services Launch
PTG launches its cloud migration practice and compliance advisory services, helping organizations move to Microsoft 365, Azure, and AWS while maintaining HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and other regulatory requirements. The company surpasses 1,000 client engagements across North Carolina and beyond.
National Recognition and Growth
PTG earns recognition from industry publications and partner organizations for its innovative approach to managed security services. The team expands to include specialists in compliance, cloud architecture, and advanced threat hunting, supporting clients across multiple states while maintaining its Triangle NC roots.
Scholarship and Community Programs
Deepening its commitment to the North Carolina community, PTG establishes its technology scholarship program and expands its educational outreach through podcasts, webinars, and free cybersecurity awareness training for local businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations throughout the Raleigh-Durham metro area.
2,500+ Companies Served, zero breaches among clients following our security program
PTG surpasses the 2,500-client milestone while maintaining its unblemished security record. The company continues to innovate with advanced AI-driven threat detection, zero-trust architecture implementations, and next-generation compliance frameworks for CMMC, SOC 2, and evolving federal cybersecurity mandates.
Numbers That Speak for Themselves
What Our Clients Say
We are proud of the relationships we have built with businesses across the Triangle over 22+ years. Read verified reviews from real clients on trusted third-party platforms.
Learn More About What Makes PTG Different
Our history is just one part of the PTG story. Explore our partnerships, client reviews, community programs, and resource library to see the full picture of how we serve businesses across the Research Triangle and beyond.
Partners and Certifications
Discover our technology partnerships with Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, and other industry leaders that amplify our capabilities across the Triangle.
Client Reviews
Read authentic reviews from businesses across Raleigh, Durham, and the Research Triangle Park who trust PTG with their technology and security.
Scholarship Program
Learn about our commitment to developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals through our North Carolina scholarship program.
Resources and Guides
Access whitepapers, webinars, blog posts, and tools designed to help Triangle NC businesses strengthen their security posture and IT operations.
What Sets Petronella Technology Group Apart After 22+ Years
Longevity alone does not make a technology company exceptional. What distinguishes PTG from every other IT provider in the Raleigh-Durham market is the combination of founder-led vision, zero-breach (for managed security clients) security track record, and an unwavering commitment to client outcomes. While competitors have come and gone, PTG has remained a constant, stable presence for businesses that depend on reliable technology and impenetrable security. Craig Petronella continues to lead the organization with the same passion and attention to detail that characterized the company's earliest days, ensuring that every client receives the strategic thinking and hands-on expertise that only decades of experience can produce.
PTG's vendor-agnostic approach means clients always receive recommendations based on their specific needs rather than on vendor kickbacks or partner quotas. Our team holds certifications across every major technology platform, giving us the flexibility to design solutions that truly fit rather than forcing clients into one-size-fits-all packages. Combined with our deep roots in the Triangle NC community, our educational outreach, our scholarship program, and our commitment to transparency, PTG stands as the technology partner that businesses can trust not just today but for decades to come.
Common Questions About PTG's History and Experience
Ready to Partner with the Triangle's Most Experienced Technology Team?
With 22-plus years of proven results, 2,500-plus companies protected, and zero breaches among clients following our security program on our record, Petronella Technology Group is the partner your business deserves. Contact us today for a complimentary cybersecurity risk assessment and discover why businesses across Raleigh, Durham, and the Research Triangle Park trust PTG with their most critical technology decisions.
919-348-4912