CHICAGO – Stratosphere Networks celebrates its 20th anniversary this month. The company has grown and evolved significantly since its story began in 2003 with the founding of its sister brand, Converged Communication Systems (CCS).

"We're incredibly proud of all that we've achieved in the past two decades," said Steve Melchiorre, CEO of Stratosphere Networks. "Our team has helped numerous businesses transform their operations with technology, and we look forward to many more years of empowering our clients to achieve their goals with the right solutions and support."

Melchiorre and Kevin Rubin, president and CIO of Stratosphere, co-founded CCS in 2003 to deliver cutting-edge IP telephony and unified communications solutions and support services. CCS has earned recognition as a leader in the field, receiving accolades such as the CRN MSP Elite 150, Inc. 5000, and the Channel Partners 360° award.

In 2010, Melchiorre and Rubin launched Stratosphere Networks, a managed IT service provider. They constructed a state-of-the-art Network Operations Center and Security Operations Center in Evanston that leveraged advanced tools and technologies to provide managed cybersecurity, managed IT and co-managed IT services, and trusted advisor services to businesses of all sizes. The company received many accolades as a managed service provider, including CRN MSP 500, MSPmentor 501, Channel Partners 360°, Stevie Awards, and Crain's Chicago Business Best Places to Work.

Stratosphere shifted to focus on IT consulting and advisory services in 2021 after the acquisition of its managed IT and security services division by Ascend Technologies. Today, the Stratosphere team draws on their background in managed services and experience with a wide array of technologies to help businesses make sense of complex marketplaces and identify cloud phone systems, cloud contact center platforms, customer experience, managed IT, and security solutions that align with their unique needs. In 2022, Stratosphere also invested additional resources in the Florida market while continuing to serve clients in the Chicago area.

"We've grown and changed so much during the past two decades," Rubin said. "I'd like to thank all the clients and staff members who've supported us during the past 20 years. We're excited to see what the future holds for Stratosphere as we continue to evolve."

In addition to providing high-quality technology services, Stratosphere has contributed to the Chicago community by donating to and sponsoring benefits for organizations such as Lawrence Hall and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Leadership also gives team members two additional paid days off per year for volunteer work and contributes to non-profits selected by staff members through the company's "Choose Your Charity" program.

For more information about Stratosphere Networks, please visit www.stratospherenetworks.com.

About Converged Communication Systems

Converged Communication Systems (CCS) is a nationwide provider of best-in-class IP telephony solutions and support services for businesses of all sizes. Focusing on industry-leading solutions, Converged Communication Systems provides complete telecommunication solutions to meet your simple or complex business needs. They specialize in a full range of solutions, including on-premises, hosted / cloud (public or private), and hybrid cloud solutions. Their portfolio includes several brands, which enables them to approach their client engagements in an unbiased manner and serve as true consultants. In addition, their expertise allows multi-location and remote/home workers to operate more efficiently via VoIP/SIP. For more information, visit www.convergedsystems.com.