By: Heather Thomas
Announcement was formally shared with Twin Lakes members at Twin Lakes’ Annual Meeting
In a strategic move to diversify its product offerings and further strengthen the cooperative, Twin Lakes has officially entered the business IT services arena in a big way with the acquisition and merger of two respected Managed Service Providers (MSPs): EpiOn and Ciphertek. This announcement was formally shared with Twin Lakes members at Twin Lakes’ Annual Meeting by CEO Jonathan West.
Operating under the EpiOn brand, Twin Lakes now delivers comprehensive IT and cybersecurity support to businesses of all sizes across Tennessee. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Twin Lakes’ evolution—from a trusted telecommunications provider to a full-spectrum technology partner.
“Expanding into business IT services was a necessary step to further strengthen our cooperative’s future and enhance our support of local businesses. By uniting Ciphertek and EpiOn under one roof, we’ve built a powerhouse in managed services that empowers those local businesses with the IT and cybersecurity support they need to thrive.” said West.
Why Now? Strategic Timing Meets Market Demand
According to Don Viar, CEO of EpiOn, the timing of this partnership was both strategic and forward-looking.
“Technology is evolving faster than ever—AI, cybersecurity threats, compliance requirements. Businesses need a partner with both scale and specialization to keep pace,” Viar explained. “By combining forces now, we’re ahead of that curve.”
Both Twin Lakes and EpiOn entered this business arrangement from positions of financial strength and strategic alignment. This wasn’t a reactive move, but rather a proactive step toward preparing for the next decade of digital transformation.
EpiOn’s Legacy and Vision for the Future
Founded in 1997, EpiOn has grown from a local startup into a globally recognized Managed Service Provider – consistently ranked in the global Top 100 among more than 150,000 MSPs.
Today, EpiOn is known for its Measurably Better IT® framework—a disciplined approach to IT management that emphasizes reduced risk, improve productivity, and measurable outcomes.
“Instead of just solving today’s IT problems, we’re equipping organizations with the clarity and confidence they need to plan for the future,” said Viar. “Now, with Twin Lakes, we can scale that approach to more businesses than ever before.”
A Platform for Growth in the AI-Driven Age
This merger isn’t just about expanding services—it’s about creating a platform for growth. With Twin Lakes’ vast fiber infrastructure, industry partners, and digital resources, EpiOn’s proven framework can now reach more businesses across Tennessee, offering turnkey IT solutions that rival in-house departments at a fraction of the cost.
“Our clients gain the strength of an entire IT department aligned to industry standards and business goals without the overhead,” Viar noted. “And our team thrives in a culture of partnership and collaboration.”
Looking Ahead
With this expansion, Twin Lakes is further reinforcing its commitment to the Upper Cumberland region. Businesses seeking reliable, scalable and future-ready IT services now have a powerful new partner in EpiOn, powered by Twin Lakes.
For more information or to explore how EpiOn’s Measurably Better IT framework can support your business, visit http://www.epion.com or contact one of Twin Lakes’ Business Solutions Consultants.
Photo via Twin Lakes.
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