History

Founded in 1984, ASCII is the oldest and largest group of independent information technology (IT) solution providers, integrators and value added resellers (VARs) in the world.  The original ASCII business model was created by Alan Weinberger who forged the network out of a failing franchise of software retail stores owned by Ashton-Tate, a major software publisher of the time. The 40 independent software retailers decided to join together as a buying group and pay monthly fees to support their organization and in turn support each other and their programs for mutual benefit.

Today, the organization’s focus remains the same --  providing solution providers with the tools necessary to survive and grow in the competitive technology market.  These tools include leveraged purchasing programs both through major computer products distributors and direct with manufacturers, education and training, knowledge sharing amongst peers, sizeable discounts on business services such as errors and omissions/business liability insurance, and a worldwide locator which allows customers to find a local independent solution provider.

With over 70 volume purchase agreements available, ASCII is as attractive to solution providers doing over $100 million a year in sales as it is to smaller solution providers selling $1 to $3 million a year. JOIN ASCII NOW.

North American Operations

The power of ASCII is formidable.  An example of the sheer size of ASCII’s North American VAR system; in 2007, ASCII VARs were responsible for over $8 billion USD in end-user sales and services and over $3 billion in sourced IT products from ASCII authorized, distributor, vendor and service provider entities. Map of United States Membership

A 2007 year-end audit of ASCII resellers offered this strategic competitive analysis of experience and capability of their entire reseller community. In 2007, ASCII resellers were responsible for purchasing, installing and integrating technology solutions for over;

• 150 of the top 500 companies in North America (Fortune and Global 500).

• 3,000 local, city, and regional government facilities and organizations.

• 6,000 public, private and higher education school systems and universities.

• 8,000 hospitals, physicians offices and healthcare providers

• 100,000 small and medium sized businesses in addition to those above.

• Solid penetration into the US federal and state and Canadian governments.

The distribution power of ASCII is tremendous. The go-to market experience of the collective is proven. Almost all ASCII members have proficiency in selling into the small and midsized business (SMB) market. Over 68% of ASCII resellers have strong resale relationships with Fortune 500 firms; 65% have relationship with education providers; and 62%  service government agencies in North America. Over 40% of ASCII resellers have a consumer focus and more than 20% of ASCII resellers own relationships with Fortune 100 companies. These statistics show the sheer power and breadth of the ASCII resellers and their relationships.

The ASCII Group headquarters has virtually, unlimited capacity through internal IT capability and contracted partnerships to provide every type of service required to build, manage and run a successful IT reseller or OEM organization. ASCII has helped build thousands of reseller companies and organized channel efforts for hundreds of manufacturers and related support companies.

International Reach

Recently ASCII has added offices in the Asia subcontinent  with placement of an office in India and is also developing penetration into Europe through partnerships and a potential merger with a similar organization in Europe. In total, ASCII currently manages and represents well over 2,000 resellers in North America, 500 in the emerging ASIA market, and affiliations with over 5,000 in Europe. Map of European Membership

Management

The ASCII Group’s management team is comprised of industry veterans with considerable academic, business and trade experience. The CEO of The ASCII Group, Alan Weinberger, is a New York University and Harvard JD and LL.M., is well-known, is often published, and is extremely sought after for public speaking and editorial opportunities.  Other members of the management team carry significant academic credentials and possess many years of proven, industry-leading experience in working at the intersection of the vendor, their reseller partners and the joint end-users that drive the success of any product taken to market.  Meet the Staff

Want to learn more about the over 70 benefits ASCII can provide you as a computer reseller?

Simply contact new membership support to evaluate what membership plan is right for your business. Call us toll free at 800-394-2724 today. JOIN ASCII NOW.

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