Two local IT businesses have come together to form a five-company collaboration in order to fight the current economic downturn.

Atrion Networking Corporation and PC Troubleshooters Inc., of Warwick, have partnered with Code Red Business Continuity Services, EchoStar Technologies and Integrated Security Inc. (ISI).

The companies will combine talent and technology to grow profitable opportunities and provide more comprehensive IT solutions.

“This partnership is a way to cross-promote our products,” said Lisa Shorr, vice president of marketing for PC Troubleshooters.

Shorr said that while it can be challenging to be an independent business in this economy and especially in this state, this partnership will allow for growth and expansion.

PC Troubleshooters provides small-to-medium sized businesses IT support services and maintenance of computer networks, servers, workstations, and applications. Atrion also provides support services, specializing in Cisco and Microsoft. Code Red’s focus is business continuity while ISI is strictly concerned with system security, including surveillance cameras. EchoStar provides integration of storage devices for IT networks.

“There is a business model that says if you don’t have it; build it, buy it, or partner it. So that’s what we did,” said Atrion Business Development Associate, Steve Giarrusso.

The companies provide alternative but compatible services to one another, thereby allowing clients to have a maximum level of their needs met.

“In today’s fast paced world of technology, companies are often taking on significant risk for both themselves and their clients by diversifying outside of their core competency,” said Michael Ehrlich, president and CEO of Integrated Services.

He went on to say that the partnership minimizes that risk, while allowing his company to focus on their area of expertise.

The companies are hosting an educational forum regarding the future vision of technology. The Business Growth and Continuity Forum will take place on Nov. 19 at Gillette Stadium, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The forum will feature a tradeshow session, strategic planning presentation, roundtable discussions and breakout workshops. It is not open to the public.