AR Innovates | Ascend Technologies: Smarter IT With Local Roots

Ascend Technologies helps clients unlock the full potential of their technology. (Photo provided)

Ascend Technologies, one of the largest technology solutions providers in the central U.S., is known for delivering cutting-edge managed and consulting services in cybersecurity, private cloud, infrastructure, support desk, Salesforce and Microsoft solutions. With a client-focused approach and commitment to innovation, Ascend continues to drive progress through its focus on artificial intelligence initiatives, delivering smarter, more efficient solutions. By supporting organizations with adaptable, secure technology strategies, clients stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

What problem is your technology and/or innovation solving in your industry or within your company? Describe the challenge. Mid-market and enterprise organizations across the U.S. are often burdened by disconnected systems, complex vendor relationships, and unclear IT strategies. From managing multiple invoices to operating on outdated infrastructure, the lack of integration leads to inefficiency, risk and rising costs. We often find that companies are overpaying for software licensing, underutilizing technology capabilities or missing critical layers of cybersecurity — and they don’t even know it. We address this with a holistic approach designed to streamline operations and optimize spending. For example, as a Microsoft Partner and Cloud Solution Provider, we give clients clear visibility into their Microsoft licensing, perform in-depth procurement and usage assessments, including Copilot readiness assessments, and help align tools with business needs. We’re often brought in as a trusted technology adviser — someone who can translate complex technology decisions into real-world outcomes. From cybersecurity posture improvement to infrastructure modernization, our clients count on us not just for execution but for strategic planning and long-term support. We truly become an extension of their team.

What’s the big idea your team came up with? Describe how the product/service was developed and what it does. The launch of Ascend Defend, Cybersecurity Powered by Microsoft, was a pivotal moment for us. We saw that our clients were already investing heavily in Microsoft tools but weren’t using them to their full advantage — especially when it came to security. Rather than layering on more vendors or platforms, we built a service around helping our clients get more from what they already have. Utilizing our extensive Microsoft expertise, we uncover underused features and create strategic plans to activate them, leading to stronger cybersecurity, improved ROI and reduced waste. Additionally, we designed a simplified client experience by consolidating licensing and creating a single-vendor support model. As a CSP, we offer centralized procurement, one point of contact and one monthly invoice — freeing up internal teams to focus on innovation instead of IT complexity. This approach supports our full-service model. By thinking differently — starting with what’s already there — we’ve helped organizations build smarter, leaner and more secure environments.

What have been the results in the marketplace or within your company? Describe how the tech/innovation has disrupted industry or internal operations. Our consolidated approach has quickly resonated with clients seeking clarity, control and peace of mind. More organizations are making the switch — many specifically citing our single-invoice model, cybersecurity alignment, Microsoft licensing expertise and extensive knowledge of Salesforce as key reasons for transitioning from legacy Managed Service Providers. This shift has translated into measurable growth. We’ve helped clients reduce software waste, uncover unused features and eliminate redundant vendor relationships. Clients are able to reallocate their technology budgets to strategic initiatives like AI that drive growth and competitive advantage. Internally, we’ve streamlined our service delivery model, giving clients a trusted, consistent framework to build on, and their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive — we make IT simpler, smarter and more secure. And it’s not just our size or scale that makes us a standout in the region — it’s the fact we’re proving Arkansas, and the broader central U.S., are anything but behind the technology curve. With offices in five states and clients spanning 42 states, Ascend Technologies is helping lead the next wave of digital transformation with a strong foundation in client success. What sets us apart is our ability to unify everything under one roof: cybersecurity, private cloud, infrastructure, Microsoft and Salesforce solutions, and reliable support. The result? Less noise, better security, and smarter technology decisions — at the right price.