Ascend Technologies
Procurement partnerAbout
Ascend Technologies is a managed IT and cybersecurity services provider that operates a continuous delivery model called S5 across security, support, infrastructure, cloud, and strategic consulting. The company serves 540+ client environments across industries including healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and legal, with compliance support for HIPAA, SOC 2, NIST, CMMC, and PCI-DSS. Ascend operates a 24/7 Security Operations Center and support desk, and is a Microsoft-focused partner o...
Details
Website
teamascend.comOfferings
38 active
VenSearch Intelligence
Ideal Customer
- Ascend's stated sweet spot is mid-market organizations with 100–1,000+ employees operating in regulated industries.
- The company explicitly markets itself to organizations in the 200–500 employee range that would otherwise need to build a full in-house IT and security stack, offering full managed capability at a predictable monthly cost.
Key Differentiators
- Ascend's primary differentiator is its S5 Operating Model — a continuous, integrated cycle built around Speed, Scale, Skills, Stability, and Security — which it contrasts against reactive, ticket-based MSP models.
- It claims the title of largest managed IT services and cybersecurity provider in the Central United States, with a 99.9% uptime SLA measured against client commitments and a published 98% client satisfaction score measured quarterly.
Industries Served
- Ascend serves organizations across financial services, private equity, insurance, healthcare, manufacturing, legal, accounting, non-profit, government, and transportation.
- Industry-specific compliance expertise is embedded into service delivery, with particular depth in healthcare (HIPAA), financial services (FINRA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2), and defense supply chain (CMMC).
Service Coverage
- Ascend Technologies is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and self-describes as the largest full-service technology provider in the Central U.S. Physical offices span Illinois (Chicago), Michigan (Auburn Hills), Nebraska (Lincoln), Arkansas (North Little Rock, Bentonville/Rogers, Conway), and Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Tulsa).
- The company manages 540–600+ client environments and, while its onsite support footprint is concentrated in the Midwest, it explicitly offers fully remote managed services to clients anywhere in the United States.
Partnerships
- Ascend is a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner and a certified Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) and reseller with certifications spanning security and modern work, giving it authorized access to the full Microsoft stack including Microsoft 365, Azure, Defender, and Sentinel.
- It has been an official Salesforce partner since 2009, is listed as a Consultant on the Salesforce AppExchange with a 4.9/5 rating, and holds 250+ Salesforce certifications covering Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, CPQ, integration architecture, and more.
Company Size & Ownership
- Ascend was formally established in 2019 through the merger of West Monroe Managed Services and Gratia, Inc., with PE backing from M/C Partners.
- The company currently employs approximately 300–330 people (multiple sources converge around 313–316 employees as of 2024–2026).
Compliance & Certifications
- Ascend holds a SOC 2 Type II certification obtained through the MSP Cloud Verify Program, which it undergoes on a recurring audit cycle.
- The cybersecurity practice earned the Microsoft Security Threat Protection Specialist credential in September 2025.
Compiled from public sources by VenSearch · Last researched October 13, 2026
Offerings
38 offerings24/7 Support Desk
Ascend operates a 24/7/365 IT support desk that provides end users with fast diagnosis, clear communication, and efficient resolution of IT issues. The service is described as keeping business operations running smoothly day and night with streamlined IT solutions. It is offered as a standalone service as well as part of managed engagements.
App Development
Ascend offers App Development as a distinct service within its technology portfolio. This service is listed alongside HubSpot and Salesforce services as part of Ascend's broader platform and development offerings. Specific details of the app development service are not further described on the pages provided.
Application Administration
Application Administration is listed as a distinct IT infrastructure service within Ascend's portfolio, covering the ongoing management and administration of business applications for client organizations. It is part of the broader managed infrastructure and support services Ascend provides under its S5 operating model.
Ascend Cloud | Managed Private Data Center
Ascend Cloud is Ascend's managed private data center offering, providing clients with dedicated, managed cloud infrastructure. It is positioned as a distinct cloud product within Ascend's cloud services portfolio. The service is designed for organizations that need private cloud environments managed by Ascend's team.
Cloud Assessment
Ascend's Cloud Assessment is a distinct consulting engagement that evaluates an organization's readiness and options for cloud adoption. It is designed to identify the perfect cloud solutions tailored to specific business needs. The assessment precedes cloud migration and deployment engagements.
Cloud Migration
Ascend provides Cloud Migration services to help organizations move their workloads, data, and applications to cloud environments. The service is listed as a distinct cloud offering within Ascend's portfolio. It is designed to ensure a seamless and efficient transition to cloud infrastructure.
CMMC Assessment
Ascend's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Assessment service is designed to empower organizations with the tools and expertise needed to achieve and maintain compliance with CMMC requirements. The service evaluates current posture against CMMC standards and provides a path to certification. It is offered as a distinct cybersecurity consulting engagement.
Cybersecurity Engineering
Ascend's Cybersecurity Engineering service focuses on designing and implementing secure IT infrastructures, networks, and systems to protect client digital assets. It is offered as a distinct service within the cybersecurity portfolio. This service addresses the architecture and build-out of secure environments rather than ongoing monitoring.
Data Protection (BaaS)
Ascend offers Backup as a Service (BaaS) as a distinct IT infrastructure offering designed to protect client data and ensure business continuity. The service is aimed at minimizing downtime and maintaining operational fluency in the event of data loss or disaster. It is listed separately within the IT Infrastructure service category.
Digital Workspace Deployment
Ascend offers Digital Workspace Deployment as a distinct cloud service that deploys modern workplace technology solutions for client organizations. It is part of Ascend's cloud portfolio aimed at elevating operations into the cloud with confidence and precision. The service covers the build-out and deployment of digital work environments.
Email Security
Email Security is offered as a distinct cybersecurity service within Ascend's security portfolio, protecting organizations against email-based threats such as phishing and malware. It is part of Ascend's holistic approach to securing the full IT stack for client organizations.
HubSpot Services
Ascend provides HubSpot services as a distinct offering within its technology services portfolio. HubSpot Services are listed alongside Salesforce services and app development as part of Ascend's broader platform services. Specific service details beyond the listing are not described on the pages provided.
Hybrid Cloud Solutions
Ascend provides Hybrid Cloud Solutions that combine on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure to meet client business needs. The service is part of Ascend's cloud portfolio designed to navigate the complexities of cloud environments. Ascend specializes in identifying the right cloud mix tailored to each organization.
Identity Protection & MFA
Listed as a distinct cybersecurity offering under Ascend's security services portfolio, Identity Protection and Multi-Factor Authentication is designed to secure user identities and access across client environments. This service is part of Ascend's broader cybersecurity stack for Microsoft environments.
Infrastructure Assessment
Ascend offers Infrastructure Assessments as a standalone service to evaluate client IT environments and identify areas of opportunity and improvement. The assessment feeds into strategic planning and roadmap development. It is listed as a distinct offering within the IT Infrastructure service category.
IT Consulting
Ascend provides strategic IT planning and consulting services that include comprehensive business assessments, strategic roadmap development, technology and digital transformation guidance, process optimization, and change management. Consultants work with leadership teams to align technology investments with business goals and long-term growth. Services are tailored to each organization's specific needs using market research, industry insights, and best practices.
Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
Ascend's MDR service detects and responds to threats in real time using advanced security monitoring, threat intelligence, and incident response capabilities. The 24/7 SOC staffs live analysts who measure response in minutes rather than through a ticket queue. The service covers threat types including phishing, ransomware, malware, insider threats, credential compromise, and API abuse.
Managed Infrastructure
Ascend's Managed Infrastructure service provides 24/7 monitoring, automated remediation, and proactive lifecycle management across client IT environments. The service is backed by a 99.9% uptime SLA measured against client commitments. It is part of the S5 operating model and covers infrastructure stability and performance.
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Ascend provides Microsoft 365 Copilot services including a Copilot Readiness Assessment to ensure Copilot is deployed with the right controls from day one. The service includes governance frameworks and readiness roadmaps for IT and leadership teams. Ascend also monitors Copilot adoption and license efficiency as part of ongoing management.
Microsoft 365 Management
Ascend provides ongoing management of Microsoft 365 environments as a distinct managed service. The service delivers technical support and operational management of Microsoft 365 tools across client organizations. It is part of Ascend's Microsoft services portfolio alongside migration and licensing.
Microsoft 365 Migration
Ascend provides Microsoft 365 Migration services to help organizations move to the Microsoft 365 platform. This is listed as a distinct service within the Microsoft services category. It complements Ascend's Microsoft 365 Management and licensing services.
Microsoft Licensing
Ascend offers Microsoft Licensing as a distinct service, helping organizations optimize their Microsoft license investments. The service includes identification of unused licenses and reclaim opportunities, as referenced by the live dashboard showing $42k per month in reclaim opportunity. It is part of Ascend's broader Microsoft services portfolio.
Microsoft Security | Ascend Defend
Ascend Defend is a security-first operating layer built for Microsoft environments that combines 24/7 SOC coverage, licensing strategy, and AI-ready governance. It provides managed detection and response, threat blocking, and continuous hardening of the Microsoft stack including Microsoft 365, Azure, and endpoints. The service aims to compound security value month over month through ongoing monitoring and automated remediation.
Onsite IT Support
Ascend provides onsite IT support as a distinct service within its IT Infrastructure portfolio, delivering hands-on technical assistance at client locations. This service complements the remote 24/7 support desk with physical presence when needed. It is part of Ascend's comprehensive infrastructure services suite.
Penetration Testing
Penetration Testing is listed as a distinct cybersecurity service within Ascend's portfolio, designed to proactively test client environments for exploitable vulnerabilities. This service is part of Ascend's comprehensive cybersecurity offerings alongside vulnerability management and risk assessments.
Perimeter Security (NGFW)
Ascend offers Next-Generation Firewall perimeter security as a distinct service within its cybersecurity portfolio. This service is designed to protect the network perimeter of client organizations as part of the broader cybersecurity infrastructure Ascend manages.
Risk Compliance Management
Ascend provides risk and compliance management services that ensure regulatory compliance and manage cybersecurity risks through comprehensive risk assessments, controls implementation, and ongoing monitoring. The service supports compliance frameworks including SOC 2, HIPAA, NIST, CMMC, and PCI-DSS. It is listed as a distinct service within the cybersecurity portfolio.
Salesforce AppExchange
Ascend offers Salesforce AppExchange-related services as a distinct item within its Salesforce portfolio. This service involves leveraging or developing Salesforce AppExchange applications as part of client Salesforce engagements. It is listed separately from other Salesforce services such as implementation and managed services.
Salesforce Consulting Services
Ascend provides Salesforce consulting services designed to streamline processes, increase revenue, and improve operational efficiency for client organizations. The team works alongside clients at every step of the Salesforce journey. This is listed as a distinct Salesforce service offering.
Salesforce Embedded Experts
Ascend offers Embedded Experts as a distinct Salesforce staffing and support model where Ascend specialists are embedded within client organizations to provide hands-on Salesforce expertise. This service is listed separately from standard managed services and consulting. It is designed to provide dedicated Salesforce talent without the cost of a full-time hire.
Salesforce Implementation Services
Ascend offers Salesforce Implementation Services as a distinct engagement focused on deploying Salesforce solutions within client organizations. It is part of Ascend's full Salesforce services portfolio and is listed separately from consulting, managed services, and optimization offerings.
Salesforce Managed Services
Ascend provides ongoing Salesforce Managed Services to support and maintain client Salesforce environments after implementation. This is a distinct recurring service within the Salesforce portfolio, separate from consulting and implementation. It ensures Salesforce platforms continue to perform and evolve with client needs.
Salesforce Optimization Assessment
Ascend's Salesforce Optimization Assessment is a distinct consulting engagement that evaluates existing Salesforce environments to identify performance improvements and efficiency gains. It is listed as a separate offering within the Salesforce services portfolio. The assessment precedes or informs optimization and managed service engagements.
Security Awareness Program (SAP)
Ascend's Security Awareness Program empowers employees with the knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate security risks through customized training programs and simulations. The program is designed to build a security-conscious culture across client organizations. It is offered as a standalone cybersecurity service.
Security Risk Assessment
Ascend conducts thorough assessments of an organization's security posture to identify gaps, vulnerabilities, and areas for improvement. The service is available by industry and is structured to deliver actionable findings for leadership and IT teams. It is positioned as a starting point for organizations looking to understand their current cybersecurity risk.
vCIO
Ascend provides a named Virtual CIO service as part of its IT infrastructure and managed services portfolio, delivering senior technology leadership and strategic guidance to client organizations. The vCIO participates in quarterly business reviews that map technology investment to business outcomes. This service closes the executive IT leadership gap without the cost of a full-time hire.
vCISO (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer)
Ascend's vCISO service provides expert cybersecurity leadership and strategic guidance to organizations that do not have or need a full-time Chief Information Security Officer. This offering delivers senior-level security strategy without the cost of a full-time executive hire. It is part of Ascend's broader cybersecurity consulting portfolio.
Vulnerability Management
Ascend's Vulnerability Management service identifies, prioritizes, and remediates vulnerabilities in client systems through proactive scanning, testing, and patch management. It is designed to continuously reduce risk exposure across managed environments. This service operates as part of the broader 24/7 security operations model.
Considering Ascend Technologies?
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