2014 marks thirty years of business for The ASCII Group. Alan D. Weinberger founded the membership-based community 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. Weinberger recalls, "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." 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 advice that is not dependent on a particular vendor's technology. 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. "We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with our members and employees - many of whom have been with ASCII throughout our 30 years," says Jerry Koutavas, president, The ASCII Group. "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 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.
