SOS
SOS Software Service GmbH is a DACH-focused Value Added Distributor connecting 800+ software vendors with 3,800+ resellers, system houses, and MSPs across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with business units in Security & Infrastructure and Productivity & Development.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersAugsburg, Germany
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What SOS does
SOS Software Service GmbH is a privately held Value Added Distributor (VAD) founded in 1987 and headquartered in Augsburg, Germany, with a branch in Herrenberg and a Swiss subsidiary (SOS Software Service AG, Frauenfeld). The company operates as a two-sided software distribution platform connecting more than 800 software vendors with over 3,800 specialist dealers, system houses, and managed service providers (MSPs) across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, organized into two business units — Security & Infrastructure (cybersecurity, endpoint, backup, CIAM) and Productivity & Development (developer tools, office, graphics, document processing). Core technical assets include an in-house development team building automated ERP integrations that push vendor catalogs and pricing (200,000+ article numbers) directly into reseller systems, plus renewal management, pre-sales consultation, demo facilitation, training, certification, and after-sales technical support as value-added services beyond pure license brokering.
SOS generates revenue primarily through transactional license distribution on a subscription or perpetual basis (volume- and vendor-dependent), supplemented by professional services such as pre-sales consulting, technical support, and partner marketing for vendors entering DACH. GTM is a hybrid channel-partner-plus-direct-sales motion: personal German-speaking account managers (responding in under six hours) cover Fachhändler, system houses, MSPs, and large account resellers, while dedicated Key Account Managers and Business Development Managers drive vendor-side channel development and co-marketing campaigns. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; billing supports SEPA direct debit, prepayment, and invoicing with annual or pay-as-you-go cadences. Recent strategic emphasis has shifted toward cybersecurity and infrastructure distribution — anchored by new strategic partnerships with Kaseya, NinjaOne, Nevis, NAKIVO, and an expanded Parallels relationship — under a new management team that took over from founders in November 2025.
SOS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SOS
- Legal name
- SOS Software Service GmbH
- Website
- https://sos-software.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- SOS Software Service GmbH is a DACH-focused Value Added Distributor connecting 800+ software vendors with 3,800+ resellers, system houses, and MSPs across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with business units in Security & Infrastructure and Productivity & Development.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SOS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- IT Software Distribution Services
- NAICS
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Software License Resale & Optimization (Perpetual/Subscription) (BPAEAOAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Software Asset Management (SAM) & License Compliance (BPAEAOAB), IT Procurement & Sourcing Services (Hardware/Software) (BPAEAOAG)
Keywords
Where SOS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Augsburg
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
SOS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
Revenue model
- Software License Distribution: Distribution of software licenses from 800+ vendors to 3,800+ resellers and system houses in DACH region. Revenue generated through transactional license sales, renewals, and volume-based pricing.
- Value-Added Services: Technical support with demos, onboarding for focus vendors. Professional services including pre-sales support, consulting, training, and certification programs.
- Marketing and Business Development Support: Marketing campaigns, lead generation, partner round-tables, trade fairs and events support for vendors entering DACH market.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | B2B software distribution with vendor-specific pricing |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Flexible payment terms for resellers |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
SOS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SOS Software Service is a Value Added Distributor (VAD) operating in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) that connects more than 800 software vendors with over 3,800 specialist dealers, system houses, and Managed Service Providers (MSPs). The company distributes software licenses, manages renewals across manufacturers, and provides pre-sales consultation, training, certification, marketing support, and technical after-sales services across two business units: Security & Infrastructure, and Productivity & Development.
Product overview
SOS Software Service is a Value Added Distributor (VAD) operating in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) since 1987. The company distributes software from over 800 vendors across two primary business units: Security & Infrastructure and Productivity & Development. The Security & Infrastructure unit focuses on cybersecurity and infrastructure software, offering vendors and MSPs a complete portfolio including endpoint management (NinjaOne), backup solutions (NAKIVO), CIAM (Nevis), and remote application delivery (Parallels RAS). The Productivity & Development unit covers development tools, office productivity, graphics software, and enterprise document processing (ABBYY FlexiCapture and Vantage, MindManager). The company's core offering is its Value Added Distribution service, which connects software vendors with over 3,800 resellers and system houses through license sales, renewal management, marketing support, pre-sales consultation, order processing, and technical after-sales support.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Value Added Distribution Service Core distribution service that brings together software vendors and resellers, system houses, and MSPs in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The service includes license sales, cross-vendor renewal management, marketing support, pre-sales consultation, demo facilitation, order processing, and technical after-sales support including training and certification for focus vendors.
- Security & Infrastructure Business Unit A dedicated business unit focused on cybersecurity and infrastructure software distribution, connecting vendors such as NinjaOne, Kaseya, NAKIVO, Nevis, and Parallels with resellers, system houses, and MSPs in the DACH market. Provides marketing support, pre-sales consultation, order processing, and after-sales configuration support.
- Productivity & Development Business Unit The original business unit covering productivity software distribution where SOS is the leading software distributor in many productivity segments. Distributes development tools (JetBrains, Embarcadero, Intel oneAPI), office productivity software (Microsoft, Corel, PDF-XChange), graphics and design tools (CorelDRAW), and enterprise document processing (ABBYY, MindManager, Foxit).
- Lunch & Learn Program (Grow Together) Educational session series designed to help channel partners (resellers, system houses, MSPs) recognize new potentials and opportunities. Provides insights into vendor products and technologies through interactive learning sessions.
Quantifiable outcome
- 3,800+ specialist dealers and system houses in network
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use SOS
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments5 records
SOS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability9 records
Feature3 records
SOS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- KaseyacoreSOS Software Service expanding MSP portfolio with Kaseya, one of world's leading providers of integrated IT and security management. Kaseya becomes strategic platform partner for IT management and security solutions in DACH market.
- NAKIVOcoreSecurity & Infrastructure business unit gained new manufacturer partner. NAKIVO provides backup and disaster recovery solutions distributed by SOS in DACH region.
- ParallelscoreSOS deepened partnership with Parallels expanding portfolio to include Parallels RAS, Browser Isolation and DaaS solutions. Partnership strengthens Security & Infrastructure business unit offerings.
- Nevis Security AGcoreSwiss CIAM provider Nevis appointed SOS Software Service as Value Added Distributor to build specialized CIAM channel for MSPs and specialist dealers across DACH region. SOS becomes sole CIAM provider in distribution portfolio, handling full sales journey from demand generation and presales through training, certification, and technical support. Partnership targets growing demand driven by NIS2, DORA, and Cyber Resilience Act regulations.
- NinjaOnecoreSOS Software Service acquired DACH distribution rights for NinjaOne Unified IT Operations Platform. NinjaOne bundles endpoint management, automated patching, backup and remote access on one platform. Partnership supports expansion of new Security & Infrastructure business unit.
- ABBYYcoreSOS extended partnership with ABBYY to include Enterprise products FlexiCapture and Vantage, joining existing FineReader PDF and FineReader Server distribution. Partnership based on mutual trust, reliability and shared vision.
- BitwardencoreEurope-wide distribution partnership for Bitwarden password management solutions. SOS enables Bitwarden to reach specialist dealers across DACH region.
- SolarWindscoreLong-standing partnership for IT management software distribution in DACH. SOS provides expertise, support and market knowledge to expand presence and serve partners.
- PaesslercoreDistribution of PRTG Network Monitor with NFR license programs and sales certification initiatives. SOS provides promotional campaigns and training for partners.
- MindManagercoreDistribution of MindManager mind mapping and project management software. MindManager 25 release with new Microsoft integration and enterprise features.
- MicrosoftmajorPart of 800+ vendor portfolio, Microsoft software products distributed through SOS channel to DACH resellers.
- JetBrainscoreDeveloper tools distribution with License Vault management solutions for efficient license administration.
- LansweepercoreIT asset management software distribution with agentless discovery capabilities. Over 28,000 companies served with 80+ million IT assets recorded worldwide.
- GoTocoreDistribution of GoTo communication and collaboration tools. Partnership emphasizes mutual, trusting exchange and clear value-add for resellers.
- CorelcoreDistribution of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, CorelDRAW Technical Suite, and other Corel productivity solutions.
- FoxitcoreLong-standing PDF software distribution partnership with Foxit Europe GmbH, emphasizing partnership commitment and humanity.
- EmbarcaderocoreDistribution of Embarcadero development tools including new KAI AI-powered development platform.
- Intel SoftwaremajorDistribution of Intel oneAPI and software development tools with focus on HPC, AI, and multi-architecture parallelism.
- DataCoreminorInfrastructure software vendor in Security & Infrastructure portfolio for DACH market.
- NovastorminorBackup solutions vendor in Security & Infrastructure portfolio. Partnership emphasizes trust and personalized support.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SOS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Exclusive Networks: Global cybersecurity VAD providing specialist channel services to vendors and partners. Direct competitor in the security distribution niche where SOS has just launched its Security & Infrastructure BU.
- ALSO Group: SIX-listed European Value Added Distributor headquartered in Switzerland, serving resellers and MSPs with a multi-vendor software and IT portfolio. Most direct comparable to SOS in VAD model, vendor breadth, and DACH / EMEA channel focus.
- ADN Distribution: German Value Added Distributor focused on cloud, security, and infrastructure software with strong DACH channel reach. Closest head-to-head competitor to SOS in the German-speaking specialist dealer and system house segment.
- Prianto: European VAD specializing in endpoint, security, and virtualization software for the channel. Miro Milos, SOS's Security & Infrastructure lead, previously ran Prianto's security BU — a direct talent and category overlap with SOS.
Broad incumbents
- Ingram Micro: Global broadline IT distributor with a software and cloud marketplace business. Overlaps with SOS in software license distribution but at much larger scale and broader geographic reach.
- TD SYNNEX: Global broadline IT distributor with significant European software distribution operations. Competes with SOS for tier-1 vendor relationships and large reseller accounts in DACH.
- Arrow Electronics (ECS): Global technology distributor with a dedicated Enterprise Computing Solutions business covering software and cloud. Operates as a broad incumbent rather than a focused DACH VAD.
Regional players
- TIM AG: German Value Added Distributor focused on cybersecurity and infrastructure software with strong MSP / system house channel. Most relevant German cybersecurity VAD peer to SOS's Security & Infrastructure BU.
- Westcoast: UK-based Value Added IT Distributor serving resellers with software and hardware. Operates a comparable VAD model but focuses on UK & Ireland rather than DACH; a useful analogue for VAD economics.
Others
- Bechtle Logistik & Service: Major German IT system house and reseller group that is itself a customer of SOS (quoted as 'reliable quality and fairness' partner). Represents both a route-to-market and a customer-side comparable in the DACH channel.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
SOS social profiles
Digital presenceSOS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SOS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
SOS subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
SOS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SOS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SOS
What does SOS do?
SOS Software Service is a Value Added Distributor (VAD) operating in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) that connects more than 800 software vendors with over 3,800 specialist dealers, system houses, and Managed Service Providers (MSPs). The company distributes software licenses, manages renewals across manufacturers, and provides pre-sales consultation, training, certification, marketing support, and technical after-sales services across two business units: Security & Infrastructure, and Productivity & Development.
Is SOS a public or private company?
SOS is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was SOS founded?
SOS was founded in 1987. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is SOS based?
SOS is headquartered in Augsburg, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does SOS make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Software License Distribution is the primary driver. The others are value-Added Services and marketing and Business Development Support.
Who are SOS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Exclusive Networks, ALSO Group, ADN Distribution and Prianto. Broad incumbents are Ingram Micro, TD SYNNEX and Arrow Electronics (ECS). Regional players are TIM AG and Westcoast. Bechtle Logistik & Service is listed as an others.
Does SOS have an API?
No public API is recorded for SOS.
What industry is SOS in?
SOS's product category is IT Software Distribution Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEAOAC, Software License Resale & Optimization (Perpetual/Subscription), with a secondary code of BPAEAOAB, Software Asset Management (SAM) & License Compliance. Its NAICS code is 518 and its SIC code is 7370.