X-Net

What X-Net does

X-Net Services GmbH is an Austrian IT and OT solutions provider founded in 1999 and headquartered in Linz, operating through three affiliated entities (X-Net Services GmbH, X-Net Technologies GmbH, X-Net Holding GmbH) with approximately 35 employees. The company delivers open-source-based IT system support, custom software development, hardware engineering, and cybersecurity products, with a stated mission to establish open source as the IT standard and to advance digital sovereignty for European customers. Its product portfolio spans proprietary offerings including the Sec³ Secure Cloud Connecting System (an IoT/OT security gateway using a Security by Isolation model co-developed with LiSEC), Rimage RX400 and X⁵ secure data-carrier systems, the VINCENT production-planning software for timber manufacturing, the eDok document management system for the social sector, the CARDEA university administration platform, and openDesk digital workspace implementations. The consumer-facing Fake-Shop Detector is an AI-based browser plugin that analyzes over 21,000 characteristics to identify fraudulent online shops in real time and is distributed free across Firefox, Edge, and Chrome.

The business model blends managed IT services, custom professional-services software development, hardware sales, and government-funded R&D (KIRAS, FFG programs), with quote-based multi-year contracts for enterprise clients and a freemium consumer distribution motion for Fake-Shop Detector. Revenue is anchored by customers across education (Johannes Kepler University), manufacturing (LiSEC, Obermayr Holzkonstruktionen), and social services (Volkshilfe Oberösterreich), supported by deep research partnerships with AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and ÖIAT. X-Net has accumulated significant recognition including the 2024 Austrian State Prize for Digitalisation, two Constantinus Awards (2023 for VINCENT, 2024 for Fake-Shop Detector), top placement in the AV-Comparatives fake-shop detection test, and workplace-culture certifications (BGF Gütesiegel, equalitA, ineo), positioning it as a niche, research-driven specialist in the Austrian and broader DACH market rather than a scaled platform vendor.

Name

X-Net

Legal name

X-Net Services GmbH

Website

https://x-net.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

X-Net Services GmbH is an Austrian IT/OT solutions provider in Linz delivering open-source-based IT system support, custom software, secure hardware, and the AI-powered Fake-Shop Detector browser plugin to enterprises, institutions, and consumers across the DACH region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

IT Services and Custom Software Development

NAICS

Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Model Transparency, Explainability & Interpretability (XAI) (HDAAAMAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Digital Experience Monitoring & Management (DEX/DEM, AIOps for EUC) (BPAEAIAF)

Keywords

• IT system support
• Custom software development
• OT security solutions
• Hardware individual development
• Open source IT services

Headquarters

HQ city

Linz

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. IT-Systembetreuung (IT System Support): Ongoing IT system support services covering servers, telephone systems, and network infrastructure for business customers.
2. Software Development: Customised software development services for individual client requirements, including industrial solutions and digital transformation projects.
3. Hardware Development & Sales: Development and sale of complete hardware solutions including Sec³ Secure Cloud Connecting System, X⁵ Data Carrier Copying System, and Rimage RX400 products.
4. Research & Development Projects: Collaborative R&D projects with research partners (AIT, ÖIAT) funded by government programs (KIRAS, FFG) resulting in products like Fake-Shop Detector.
5. Fake-Shop Detector (Free Tool): Free consumer-facing tool monetised through visibility, partnerships, and potential enterprise licensing rather than direct revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

X-Net provides IT system support (managed services for servers, telephone systems, and networks), customized software development for individual client requirements, and individual hardware development including their proprietary Sec³ Secure Cloud Connecting System, Rimage RX400 disc copying system, and X5 Data Carrier Copying System. The company also delivers sector-specific custom software such as VINCENT for timber production optimization and eDok for social-sector document management, and offers the AI-based Fake-Shop Detector as a free browser plugin for consumer fraud protection.

Product overview

X-Net offers a portfolio of IT and OT solutions combining proprietary and open-source technologies. Core products include Fake-Shop Detector (AI-powered fake shop detection browser plugin), Sec³ Secure Cloud Connecting System (IoT security gateway), Rimage RX400 (USB-based secure copying system), and X5 Data Carrier Copying System. The company also delivers customized software solutions including VINCENT (timber production optimization), eDok (digital document management for social services), and CARDEA (university administration). Products are available as standalone offerings, with some (like Fake-Shop Detector) offered as free browser plugins, and others (like Sec³ and Rimage RX400) as enterprise solutions. The portfolio spans cybersecurity, digital administration, industrial solutions, and custom software development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Fake-Shop Detector: Free AI-based tool that automatically protects consumers against fraud in online shopping by detecting fake online shops using over 21,000 characteristics in real-time.
• VINCENT
• Sec3 (Sec³)
• eDok
• RX400

Products and services

• IT System Support (IT-Systembetreuung) Managed IT support service covering servers, telephone systems, and network infrastructure for business customers. Provides ongoing system administration, maintenance, and troubleshooting on contracted basis.
• Custom Software Development Professional services for customized software development tailored to individual client requirements, including industrial solutions, digital administration systems, and digital transformation projects.
• Individual Hardware Development Service offering for designing, developing, and implementing complete bespoke hardware solutions, including security gateways, data carrier copying systems, and IoT devices, from conception through production.
• Fake-Shop Detector AI-based browser extension and web service that automatically detects fraudulent online shops by analyzing over 21,000 characteristics in real time and warning users via a traffic light system. Developed for online shoppers to protect against fake-shop fraud; available free for Firefox, Edge, and Chrome.
• Sec³ Secure Cloud Connecting System Secure IoT gateway and remote service box for Industry 4.0 machines and IoT devices. Uses Security-by-Isolation (SBI) architecture with configurations managed only via X-Net's Sec³ Cloud, encrypted connections, and video-documented remote maintenance sessions. Designed for OT security in industrial environments.
• Rimage RX400 Disc Copying System USB-based high-speed disc copying system for secure and fast storage of sensitive and large data sets including medical records and forensic evidence. Features WORM (Write Once Read Many) functionality to prevent unwanted modification or deletion, with encryption options.
• X⁵ Data Carrier Copying System Multi-format data carrier production system that simultaneously writes individually to SSD, USB, CF, MicroSD, and other media. Supports customer-specific workflows including automatic recording of product-specific data, encryption, authentication, and communication security.
• VINCENT Production Planning Software Customised software for the timber construction industry that digitises and optimises work preparation and production of glued laminated timber. Coordinates wood storage, drying intervals, and production planning to optimise capacity utilisation and react flexibly to order changes, delivery delays, and machine breakdowns.
• eDok Electronic Document Management Modern document management system for consulting services in the social sector. Supports documentation, archiving, work management, and flexible location-independent application with real-time data access. Designed for social services organisations.
• CARDEA University Administration Software Digital comprehensive solution for managing attendance, courses, grades, and equipment for higher education institutions. Developed for Johannes Kepler University Linz Medical Faculty.
• openDesk Digital Workspace Implementation Implementation service for openDesk, an open-source digital workspace combining established open-source applications from leading German and European providers in a highly integrated solution with single-login access for collaboration, communication, and document management.

Quantifiable outcome

• Fake-Shop Detector achieves over 90% detection rate in AV-Comparatives test, ranking first among 35 cybersecurity products tested
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability3 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AIT Austrian Institute of TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustria's largest non-university research institution and long-standing partner. Co-development of Fake-Shop Detector with X-Net and ÖIAT. X-Net participates at IDSF events organised by AIT. AIT operates Cyber Range training center and works on media forensics, quantum communication, and cybersecurity research.
• ÖIAT (Österreichisches Institut für angewandte Telekommunikation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent research institution promoting competent, safe, and responsible use of digital media. Co-developed Fake-Shop Detector with X-Net and AIT. Provides ongoing manual quality assurance for AI-based fake shop detection through Watchlist Internet.
• LiSEC Holding GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal glass processing company and key contributor to Sec³ product development. First industrial user of Sec³ Secure Cloud Connecting System. Contributed to product definition and testing for security-critical IoT applications in glass manufacturing.
• RimagecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal market leader in digital publishing and automated burning/printing systems. Co-developed Rimage RX400 USB-based disc copying system with X-Net. Partnership intensified through joint product development for secure data storage solutions.
• Sparx Services CEminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBusiness unit of Lieber.Group providing risk management consulting for highly secure IT and electronic systems. Partner for ThreatGet cybersecurity tool distribution as part of partner program.
• MINT-Region Oberösterreich ZentralminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNetwork linking Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, and Technology in Upper Austria Central region. X-Net is a partner contributing to digital future of the region through active involvement.
• she:worksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCareer center programme 'In-depth career orientation in desired green jobs'. X-Net participates by hosting company excursions for programme participants to learn about sustainable companies and job profiles.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SEC Consult: Austrian-headquartered cybersecurity services firm with comparable size and DACH focus. Closely comparable in offering IT security consulting, penetration testing, and managed security services to enterprise customers, and serves as a direct regional competitor for X-Net's IT security practice.
• Radar Cyber Security: Austrian cybersecurity services firm offering managed detection, response, and security consulting. Directly comparable to X-Net's IT security services and Sec³ OT/IoT security positioning within the Austrian enterprise market.
• Open Systems: Swiss-headquartered managed security and network services provider with similar DACH enterprise focus. Comparable to X-Net in delivering managed security services, secure connectivity, and OT/IoT security solutions to mid-market and enterprise customers in the DACH region.
• IKARUS Security Software: Vienna-based cybersecurity vendor offering antivirus and threat-detection products. Comparable to X-Net as a similarly-sized Austrian security software specialist with proprietary technology and a focus on European markets.
• cyan AG: Munich-headquartered cybersecurity provider specializing in network security and parental control/telecom-grade security solutions. Comparable to X-Net's Sec³ and network-security offerings as a mid-sized European cybersecurity specialist with overlapping DACH customer base.

Broad incumbents

• Trustwave: Global cybersecurity and managed security services provider. Comparable to X-Net's managed IT security and consulting services across enterprise customers but operates at much broader geographic and capability scale.
• CrowdStrike: Global cybersecurity platform with endpoint detection and AI-driven threat intelligence. Comparable to X-Net's Fake-Shop Detector in AI-based threat detection but operates at vastly larger scale with global enterprise customers.
• Hornetsecurity: German cloud security vendor specializing in email security, backup, and compliance. Comparable to X-Net in cybersecurity product specialization for the DACH market but at significantly larger scale with broader enterprise reach.
• S&T AG (Kontron AG): Larger Austrian-headquartered IT services and IoT/smart energy solutions provider. Overlaps with X-Net's IT services and Sec³ IoT offerings but at significantly greater scale and broader geographic reach.
• Bechtle AG: One of Europe's largest IT services and hardware providers, headquartered in Germany. Comparable to X-Net's IT system support, hardware distribution, and managed services offerings but operates at substantially greater scale across the DACH region.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/x-net-services

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about X-Net