GTIA Acquired The ASCII Group to Scale IT Networking
The merger connects MSPs and solution providers to a larger international network of nearly 3,000 members.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Business Strategy
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GTIA has completed the acquisition of The ASCII Group, a professional community founded in 1984. The deal integrates the two organizations to better serve IT service providers across North America.
Why it matters
The merger aims to consolidate a fragmented IT channel market by combining the respective member bases and resources of both groups. By joining forces, the entities seek to enhance collaboration for MSPs, MSSPs, and solution providers operating in the US and Canada.
The deal brings together a network of nearly 3,000 IT service providers, vendors, and distributors. The ASCII Group, which traces its history back to 1984, now operates as a member community within the larger GTIA organization.
The players
GTIA
An international organization representing nearly 3,000 IT service providers, vendors, and distributors.
The ASCII Group
A community founded in 1984 that provides specialized services to MSPs, MSSPs, and solution providers.
Alan D. Weinberger
The founder of The ASCII Group who established the organization in 1984.
The details
The integration gives existing members of The ASCII Group immediate access to GTIA member portals and their broader international networks. The move is designed to leverage the complementary strengths of both groups to support IT service providers in navigating a complex vendor landscape. Both entities will function as conveners to deepen their presence in the North American market.
Timeline
The ASCII Group was founded in 1984.
GTIA acquired The ASCII Group on September 28, 2026.
Market Landscape
This acquisition follows the historical consolidation of IT channel trade associations as organizations seek scale to combat fragmentation. It marks a shift toward larger, centralized hubs for professional collaboration in the IT services sector.
Managed service providers should evaluate how these combined portals impact their access to distribution and vendor programs. Review member service agreements to identify new resource availability or shifts in support channels resulting from the integration.
The takeaway
The merger creates a larger, more connected ecosystem for IT operators looking to scale through network participation. Members should audit their current vendor relationships to ensure they are fully utilizing the expanded member portals now available under the combined entity.
Further reading
For more on industry consolidation, see the Business Strategy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SecurityBrief Asia.
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