
I'm Steve Ascencio - an open-source-minded systems consultant helping Pittsburgh-area teams untangle their tech, secure their networks, and understand their data.
Networking & Systems
From Wi-Fi headaches to POS outages - I'll get your network stable, secure, and ready for growth.
Data & Analytics
Turn your sales and operation data into clear decisions that save money and dive smarter choices.
Tessitura & CRM Consulting
Fifteen years in the performing arts world taught me how to make complex systems actually work for humans.
Serving Penn Hills, Monroeville, and the greater Pittsburgh area - and remote clients anywhere open-source tools can reach!
Schedule a quick call - we'll figure out what you need, together.
What is it:
Your network is what allows all of your devices to talk to each other and the internet. WiFi allows you and your customers to do it wirelessly.
Why it Matters:
If your network is improperly configured, you could experience issues as simple as slow payment processing or as catastrophic as a customer data breach.
What you get:
Full inventory and map of connected devices, WiFi signal strength map, security audit of infrastructure devices (router/modem, etc), plans to remediate or upgrade as needed.
Cost: Starting at $200
What is it:
The programs that you need to run your business. For example: accounting, payroll, CRM/ERP, POS/payment systems, and any industry-specific programs.
Why it Matters:
These are the tools that handle the "business" part of your business. It's important you're using the right tools so you can eliminate friction for your customers and focus on what you love.
What you get:
After a discussion of your needs and evaluation of current tool(s), we will thoroughly research and find the best possible program(s) to fit your business needs and budget.
Cost: Starting at $500
What is it:
Specialized hardware and programs to prevent damage and data loss in the event of a disaster.
Why it Matters:
Disasters happen. You have insurance to cover all of the physical parts of your business. But what about your sales history? Your employee records? Invoices? Financial and tax documents?
What you get:
We evaluate your current storage and power usage, then find the best options for both local and off-site backups of your important data as well as options for Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to prevent data loss due to the power outages which are all too common in Penn Hills.
Cost: Starting at $500
What is it:
Applying statistical and analytical tools to your business’s data to uncover actionable insights.
Why it Matters:
You probably already have an intuitive understanding of your customers and operations — but your sales history is hiding counter-intuitive insights that could solve problems or reveal opportunities you’re missing.
What you get:
I’ll analyze your sales or customer data using standard data-science techniques to surface patterns and insights that help you grow your business.
Cost: Hourly or project-based (typical projects start around $1,000).
What is it:
Tessitura is a CRM designed for performing arts and other admission-based venues.
Why it Matters:
Tessitura is an incredibly powerful but complex system that supports everything from ticketing and fundraising to marketing analytics. It takes experience to make all those parts sing together.
What you get:
In my previous role (see About), I served as the subject-matter expert for Tessitura ticketing operations and analytics. I now offer that expertise to organizations that need advanced reporting, ticketing setup, or integration support.
Cost: Hourly consulting or retainer-based; pricing depends on scope.

I’m Steve Ascencio, founder of The Nth Iteration, a consultancy built around the belief that technology should empower people, not intimidate them. Before launching this venture, I spent fifteen years with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, most recently as Director of Patron Services, where I blended systems thinking with a passion for human connection and design.These days, I help organizations and individuals build reliable, human-centered tech — from network infrastructure and data systems to creative digital strategy. I come from the intersection of art, philosophy, and engineering, and I try to bring that same balance of logic and imagination to every project.
If you're not sure what you need, and you don't want to book a call, you can use one of the above methods or the form below. Ask me anything!