In The News

The largest community of solution providers in the world celebrates 30 years in business

Bethesda, Maryland – January 22, 2014 — The ASCII Group is pleased to announce that 2014 marks thirty years in business for the membership-based community, which has become the oldest and largest group of independent MSPs, VARs and Solution Providers in the world.

As with many businesses, numerous roles and responsibilities fall directly on the backs of the leaders of the company, and the end result is often less production.  The ASCII Group helps Solution Providers refocus their efforts back on revenue generating activities while providing support in operations, sales, marketing, purchasing, and vendor management.  Additionally, The ASCII Group educates all end-users of IT solutions, services and devices on the value of the Solution Provider and their offering of independent, trusted advice that is not dependent on a particular vendor’s technology. 

Alan D. Weinberger founded The ASCII Group in 1984 with 40 computer dealers to become the first industry-neutral “Community Network” of independent resellers.  He organized the founding 40 software retailers to join together as a buying group and pay monthly fees to support the organization – and in turn, support each other and their programs for mutual benefit; thus resulting in the industry’s first such network. 

Three decades later, the IT industry has shifted towards a service model and the core of local IT services, support and advice is now the independent MSP, VAR and Solution Provider.  Going forward in 2014, The ASCII Group continues to have the same focus that it had in 1984 – providing Solution Providers with the tools necessary to survive, learn together and grow in the competitive technology market.

Alan D. Weinberger, Chairman and CEO, recalls, “When I started The ASCII Group in 1984, I had a vision of wanting to help business owners who were instrumental in creating the IT revolution.  I’m proud of the fact that so many years later, the 70 programs that we have established for our members have helped to expand their businesses.  I believe that our 30th anniversary is a testament to listening to our members and remaining dedicated to their needs.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with our members and employees – many of whom have been with ASCII throughout our 30 years,” said Jerry Koutavas, President, The ASCII Group.  “Though there are many factors which have attributed to our success, underlying all of them is an unwavering commitment to our members.  We are not only celebrating 30 years of ASCII, but 30 years of partnerships, services and collaboration.”

Upcoming plans for 2014 include the eight city ASCII IT SMB Success Summits; online registration for this complementary event is at www.asciievents.com. 

To commemorate the company’s anniversary, The ASCII Group has released a celebratory logo which will be used in conjunction with the standard company logo throughout the year. 

To learn more about The ASCII Group’s portfolio of resources and turnkey programs, please visit www.ascii.com. 

About The ASCII Group, Inc:

The ASCII Group is a vibrant reseller community of independent MSPs, VARs, and other solution providers.  Formed in 1984, ASCII has more than 70 programs that provide turnkey cost-cutting strategies, innovative business building programs, and extensive peer interaction.  ASCII members enjoy benefits such as marketing support; educational information; group purchasing power; increased leverage in the marketplace; and multiple networking opportunities. These programs enable ASCII members to increase revenue, lower operating costs, and grow service opportunities.  You can learn more at www.ascii.com or by calling 800-394-2724.

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Press Contact
Alysia Vetter
Director of Communications
Tel: 800-394-2724 x 131
Email: alysia@ascii.com
Web: www.ascii.com