The ASCII
The ASCII Group is a vendor-neutral, peer-led membership community for Managed Service Providers across North America, founded in 1984. It serves 1,300+ MSP members through forums, peer groups, vendor programs, and the multi-city ASCII Edge conference series via annual subscription dues and event sponsorships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersBethesda, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The ASCII does
The ASCII Group, Inc. is a privately held, vendor-neutral peer community for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), founded in 1984 in Washington, D.C. by Alan D. Weinberger and now headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The company serves more than 1,300 MSP members across the United States and Canada, ranging from credentialed SMB-focused MSPs to multi-location solution providers with national and international reach. Its core offering is an annual subscription membership that grants access to a private member portal, peer forums, accountability groups, steering committees, and peer-led working sessions, all designed to let MSP owners share real operating numbers, compare tools and pricing, and make business decisions independent of vendor influence.
The product portfolio is built around community, events, and member benefits rather than a single software platform. Flagship event products include the ASCII Edge conference series (8 cities in 2026, 9 in 2024, drawing roughly 1,500 attendees), the one-day ASCII Navigate events, and regional "ASCII in the Field" activities. Member benefits are organized into Market Insight (benchmarking surveys, Rate My Stack study, sales tax guides), Growth & Advancement (MSP subcontracting desk, acquisition listings, marketing services), and Operational Savings (pre-negotiated vendor programs, Problem Resolution Desk, credit card and insurance discounts). Recent additions include the July 2025 Member Benefit Portal and the ASCII Spark peer groups (10-member geographically separated cohorts). The 2024-vintage ASCII AI Pit Crew committee adds an AI-curation layer, identifying, researching, and packaging third-party AI solutions and go-to-market campaigns for members.
The business model is subscription recurring revenue from annual membership dues, supplemented by vendor sponsorship of ASCII Edge events (Microsoft as Diamond Sponsor; Pax8, Datto, Kaseya, ConnectWise, Sophos, and others as recurring partners) and member-exclusive vendor referral economics. Distribution is community-led and event-driven: peer referrals, direct outreach via an inside sales team, on-site recruitment at ASCII Edge, and vendor referrals. Leadership transitioned in mid-2025 when founder Alan Weinberger became Non-operating Chairman and then passed away in June 2025; long-tenured President Jerry Koutavas was elevated to CEO, and Ted Roller was hired as the first Chief Community Officer in January 2026.
The ASCII firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The ASCII
- Legal name
- The ASCII Group, Inc.
- Website
- https://ascii.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The ASCII Group is a vendor-neutral, peer-led membership community for Managed Service Providers across North America, founded in 1984. It serves 1,300+ MSP members through forums, peer groups, vendor programs, and the multi-city ASCII Edge conference series via annual subscription dues and event sponsorships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The ASCII industry classification
Industry- Product category
- MSP Community Membership Services
- NAICS
- Business Associations (813910), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Collaboration & Unified Communications Management (UCaaS/VoIP) (BPAEABAK)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Managed Security Services (MSSP) & 24/7 SOC Operations (BPAKAHAA)
Keywords
Where The ASCII is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bethesda
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
The ASCII business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: Annual membership fees for MSPs to join the peer community and access benefits including peer groups, forums, vendor programs, educational content, marketing services, and operational savings programs. Membership includes leveraged purchasing programs, education and training, marketing assistance, and extensive peer interaction.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Standard MSP Membership |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
The ASCII product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The ASCII Group operates a vendor-neutral, peer-led MSP community platform. Its core product is an annual membership that gives MSP owners access to private forums, structured peer groups, accountability groups, and steering committees for peer collaboration. The community is supplemented by a multi-city conference series (ASCII Edge), regional events, webinars, market intelligence, vendor discount programs, a Problem Resolution Desk, a subcontracting desk, and acquisition listings for MSP business transitions.
Product overview
The ASCII Group is a vendor-neutral, peer-led MSP community platform that does not sell a single unified software product but rather offers a portfolio of community programs, events, resources, and services. The core offering is ASCII Membership — a peer-led community providing MSP owners with accountability groups, steering committees, a private forum, market insight tools, growth and advancement resources (including a subcontracting desk, acquisition listings, and marketing services), and operational savings programs (including vendor discounts and a Problem Resolution Desk). Key event products include the ASCII Edge multi-city conference series, ASCII Navigate one-day events, and ASCII in the Field regional activities. Supporting platforms include the ASCII Member Benefit Portal (launched 2025) for real-time community engagement and the MSP Sales Tax Guide as a resource tool. ASCII also runs the ASCII Spark peer group program and the ASCII AI Pit Crew committee for AI industry guidance. The portfolio is structured as a community membership platform supplemented by events, resources, and digital tools, all oriented around peer-driven business support for MSPs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ASCII Membership Annual vendor-neutral membership community for managed service provider owners across North America, providing access to private forums, accountability groups, steering committees, peer groups, vendor programs, educational content, and peer-driven business support.
- ASCII Edge Conference Series Flagship multi-city conference series delivered across eight North American cities, offering peer-driven MSP education, business sessions, networking, technology vendor showcases, and the annual ASCII Cup awards.
- ASCII in the Field Regional in-person events, roundtables, and working sessions providing MSPs opportunities for peer networking, strategic discussion, and community connection outside the major ASCII Edge conferences.
- ASCII Webinars Webinars covering MSP business topics including operations, sales, service delivery, strategy, and continuity planning, delivered as part of the member education program.
- ASCII Peer Groups (Accountability Groups and Steering Committees) Structured small-group peer discussions where MSP owners share real numbers, challenges, and decisions. Includes accountability groups and MSP-led steering committees for focused peer collaboration.
- ASCII Spark Peer Group Peer group program for MSPs to discuss business issues and corrective strategies in a non-competitive environment, with 10 geographically separated members per group led by hand-selected ASCII member team leaders.
- Market Insight Member-led market intelligence service providing MSP survey data, benchmarking across operations and pricing, vendor product reviews, use cases, polls, and over 70 reference templates and tools.
- Growth and Advancement Benefits Suite of member benefits including a subcontracting desk for MSP-to-MSP collaboration, marketing services for brand amplification, and acquisition/sale listing tools for business transitions.
- Operational Savings Program Member-only discounts and vendor incentive programs including pre-negotiated pricing with top vendors, priority onboarding and support, lower rates on credit card processing and insurance, and ASCII's Problem Resolution Desk for vendor escalation.
- Problem Resolution Desk Executive advocacy service where the ASCII team advocates directly with vendors on behalf of MSP members to resolve issues, backed by 40 years of industry relationships.
- ASCII Navigate Special one-day educational destination events for MSPs focused on revenue growth and expanding business models, held in locations not covered by the standard ASCII Edge city tour.
- ASCII Member Benefit Portal Centralized member platform enabling real-time community engagement, allowing members to submit subcontracting requests, exchange vendor recommendations, explore acquisition opportunities, and offer or receive support during service disruptions or emergencies.
- MSP Subcontracting Desk Peer network tool enabling members to partner with qualified MSPs for onsite support or specialized projects, offer their own services to other members, and deliver work under their own brand.
- Acquisition and Business Sale Listings Member-only tools for exploring MSP business sales or acquisitions confidentially, browsing listings of MSPs interested in buying or selling, and accessing guidance for business transition preparation.
- Marketing Services Member-exclusive marketing tools including marketing content, social media engagement support, and brand visibility opportunities to promote and position MSP businesses.
Quantifiable outcome
- MSPs with peer support grow MRR 30% faster than those without
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use The ASCII
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The ASCII technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
The ASCII partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, legacy, minor and strategic.
- Ring (Amazon Business)coreNew collaboration providing ASCII members access to Ring's security product lineup including doorbell cameras, security cameras, alarm systems, and smart lighting. Initiative available as part of Amazon Business Associated Accounts Program, enabling MSPs to integrate comprehensive physical and virtual security solutions for SMB clients in retail, franchise, and property management sectors.
- KaseyalegacyChannel Legacy Partnership Award recipient recognizing 20+ years of partnership with ASCII community. Kaseya provides MSP software solutions and has been presenting workshops at ASCII Edge events including 2026 series workshop on marketing development funds utilization.
- D&HlegacyChannel Legacy Partnership Award recipient recognizing 20+ years of collaboration with ASCII community. D&H serves as distribution partner for technology vendors serving ASCII MSP members.
- CompTIAlegacyChannel Legacy Partnership Award recipient recognizing 20+ years of partnership. CompTIA provides IT certification programs and industry education. ASCII's Ted Roller has contributed as CompTIA faculty member.
- SophoslegacyChannel Legacy Partnership Award recipient recognizing 20+ years of partnership with ASCII community. Sophos provides cybersecurity solutions to ASCII MSP members.
- ConnectWisecoreCollaboration helping emerging technology vendors in ConnectWise PitchIT accelerator program connect with ASCII Edge MSP conferences across North America. Provides visibility platform for early-stage vendors to engage with influential MSP decision-makers and receive street-level feedback on products.
- Apple Solutions Marketing Corporation (ASMC)coreASMC, the largest community of Apple authorized resellers, service providers, and consultants in the US and Canada, officially joined ASCII. Collaboration broadens technology portfolio offerings and enhances collective knowledgebase by bringing Apple sales and technical specialists into the ASCII community.
- Sandler PartnerscoreLeading distributor of Connectivity and Cloud services provides ASCII members access to portfolio of 200+ telecom and Cloud Provider solutions. Allows MSPs to broaden technology portfolios and increase ability to serve clients' telecom needs. Sandler Partners recognized for independent, private structure enabling relationship-focused service.
- GreatAmerica LeasingminorFinancing partnership providing capital solutions for ASCII group members. GreatAmerica helps partners manage capital crunch and equipment financing needs.
- MicrosoftstrategicDiamond Sponsor of ASCII Edge 2025, bringing AI and Zero Trust security insights. Provides partner strategy sessions and Supercharge Your Business workshop. Microsoft engagement brings enterprise-grade security and AI capabilities to ASCII MSP community.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The ASCII competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- CompTIA: CompTIA is the leading global IT industry trade association providing certifications, education, and member services to the IT channel — including MSPs. It is directly comparable to ASCII as a peer association serving the same constituency, and ASCII's Ted Roller has served as CompTIA faculty, evidencing overlap in member services and channel positioning.
- MSPAlliance: MSPAlliance is a trade association specifically for managed service providers, offering membership programs, certification, and standards. It is the most directly comparable trade-body to ASCII in terms of serving MSP owners with peer benchmarking, vendor-neutral framing, and member benefits.
Broad incumbents
- ConnectWise: ConnectWise is one of the largest MSP software platforms and runs the IT Nation Connect community, a major MSP peer event and education ecosystem. It competes with ASCII's vendor-neutral proposition by bundling community access with its product suite — the most significant broad incumbent in ASCII's space.
- Kaseya: Kaseya is a leading MSP software platform (now including Datto) with its own partner community, events, and education programs. As a Channel Legacy Partner of ASCII (20+ year partnership per source) and a competing peer-networking venue, Kaseya is a critical broad incumbent peer.
- Ingram Micro Cloud: Ingram Micro is the largest global IT distributor and operates an extensive Cloud Marketplace, partner community, and education ecosystem targeting MSPs. Its global scale and bundled community/education services position it as a broad incumbent peer for the same North American and Canadian MSP constituency.
Emerging players
- Pax8: Pax8 is a cloud distributor for MSPs that operates its own partner community and events (Pax8 Beyond). As a multi-year ASCII Cup winner and active ASCII Edge sponsor, Pax8 represents the modern, cloud-first community model that emerging MSPs increasingly favor over legacy peer networks.
- Sherweb: Sherweb is a cloud services distributor serving the MSP channel with partner programs, enablement content, and community resources. It is comparable to ASCII as a B2B services partner to MSPs, with growing community and event capabilities that intersect with ASCII's offerings.
Regional players
- D&H Distributing: D&H is a leading North American IT distributor and a Channel Legacy Partner of ASCII (20+ year partnership). While primarily a distributor rather than peer community, its partner enablement programs, events, and education services overlap meaningfully with ASCII's vendor-and-community functions.
- Sandler Partners: Sandler Partners is a leading master agent / distributor of connectivity and cloud services serving the North American channel. As a documented ASCII vendor partner with its own community and education programs, Sandler is a comparable regional peer for the same North American MSP base.
Others
- ChannelPro Network: ChannelPro is a media and events organization covering the SMB/MSP channel, including ChannelPro SMB events where ASCII has won 'Best Partner Community.' It is an adjacent, ecosystem-enabling peer — not a direct community competitor, but it shapes the events and content landscape ASCII operates within.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The ASCII social profiles
Digital presenceThe ASCII financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The ASCII leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
The ASCII funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The ASCII M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The ASCII
What does The ASCII do?
The ASCII Group operates a vendor-neutral, peer-led MSP community platform. Its core product is an annual membership that gives MSP owners access to private forums, structured peer groups, accountability groups, and steering committees for peer collaboration. The community is supplemented by a multi-city conference series (ASCII Edge), regional events, webinars, market intelligence, vendor discount programs, a Problem Resolution Desk, a subcontracting desk, and acquisition listings for MSP business transitions.
Is The ASCII a public or private company?
The ASCII is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was The ASCII founded?
The ASCII was founded in 1984. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The ASCII based?
The ASCII is headquartered in Bethesda, United States, in the North America region.
How does The ASCII make money?
One revenue line is on record: membership Fees.
Who are The ASCII's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are CompTIA and MSPAlliance. Broad incumbents are ConnectWise, Kaseya and Ingram Micro Cloud. Emerging players are Pax8 and Sherweb. Regional players are D&H Distributing and Sandler Partners. ChannelPro Network is listed as an others.
Does The ASCII have an API?
No public API is recorded for The ASCII.
What industry is The ASCII in?
The ASCII's product category is MSP Community Membership Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEABAK, Collaboration & Unified Communications Management (UCaaS/VoIP), with a secondary code of BPAKAHAA, Managed Security Services (MSSP) & 24/7 SOC Operations. Its NAICS code is 813910 and its SIC code is 8600.