Since its inception in 1970, The ITAD Association has been a pivotal force in the world of information technology, evolving from a regional association to a global leader in IT support, leasing, sales, refurbishment, and ITAD. Let’s embark on a journey through time, tracing the significant milestones that have shaped The ITAD Association into what it is today.
The Roots of CDLA
The story begins with the establishment of the Computer Dealer Lessors Association (CDLA) in 1970. At a time when the computer industry was still in its infancy, CDLA laid the groundwork for ethical practices by drafting the industry’s first Code of Ethics.
Birth of ASCD
As the computer industry continued to grow, so did the need for a unified voice for computer dealers. In 1981, the American Society of Computer Dealers (ASCD) was founded, providing a platform for dealers to collaborate, share knowledge, and advocate for their interests.
ASCD and ESCD Merge
In 1995, ASCD joined forces with the European Service and Computer Dealers (ESCD) to form the Association of Service and Computer Dealers International (ASCDI). This merger marked a significant step towards global cooperation and standardization within the IT industry.
Global Consolidation
The dawn of the new millenium witnessed a landmark event in the history our association. In 2000, ASCDI merged with the European Computer Leasing and Trading Association (ECLAT) and CDLA, uniting disparate organizations under one banner to create a truly global entity dedicated to IT support, leasing, and sales.
NATD Joins ASCDI
In 2012, the National Association of Telecommunications Dealers (NATD) merged into ASCDI, further expanding the organization’s reach and influence within the telecommunications sector. This strategic move reinforced ASCDI’s position as a leading authority in both the IT and telecommunications industries.
Recognizing ITAD as a Key Part of Secondary IT
As the IT landscape continued to evolve, so did our association. In 2023, the organization underwent a transformative rebranding, emerging as the Association of Service Communications Data and ITAD Providers. This change reflected the ASCDI’s broader scope of services, including data management and IT asset disposition, in addition to its traditional focus on IT support and sales.
Rebranding to ITAD Association
In 2026, we officially announced the sunset of ASCDI and the birth of our new name, The ITAD Association.
While our membership represents all segments of secondary IT, we understood that all fall under the umbrella of ITAD services.
As we look towards the future, The ITAD Association remains committed to its core values of integrity, professionalism, and collaboration. With a rich history spanning over five decades, The ITAD Association continues to adapt and innovate in response to the ever-changing needs of the IT industry. Whether it’s advocating for policy changes, fostering industry standards, or providing valuable resources to its members, The ITAD Association stands as a beacon of excellence and leadership in the world of technology.
ITADA is the only globally incorporated non-profit trade association dedicated promoting to the secondary IT industry.