What Horn & Cosifan does

HORN & COSIFAN GmbH is a Frankfurt am Main-based IT system house founded in 1993, operating as a managed services provider for the Rhein-Main-Taunus region of Germany. The company delivers a comprehensive portfolio spanning seven service categories: Managed Print Services, DATEV services for tax professionals, business services (ECM/DMS via ELO, mobile device management, digital signatures), security services (built on a Sophos strategic partnership including MDR/XDR, firewall, Zero Trust, and security awareness), infrastructure and cloud services (private cloud hosting, Microsoft Azure/Microsoft 365 public cloud, on-premises, backup/restore, network services), modern workplace services (Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex Calling, STARFACE, Swyx/Enreach UCC, device and field services), and a recently added AI services line. Core infrastructure includes an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001:2024 certified high-security data center in Frankfurt, accessed by customers via the RZ-Portal, plus a Mobilfunkportal for mobile contract management across Vodafone, O2 Business, and Deutsche Telekom carrier relationships.

The company serves mid-market SMEs as the primary segment, with additional focus on tax consultants and accounting firms (DATEV specialization via PARTNERasp), educational institutions (notably the €69 million, 7-year Wetteraukreis district contract covering 85 schools), and public sector organizations requiring NIS-2 and DSGVO compliance advisory. Revenue is generated through individualized managed care contracts (Betreuungsverträge) delivered as either full-package or modular services, supplemented by project-based IT consulting on fixed-price or hourly terms, one-time hardware and software sales, and recurring cloud subscriptions. Pricing is fully custom and quote-based with no public rate cards. The go-to-market is direct field sales targeting mid-market accounts in the Rhein-Main-Taunus region, complemented by partner referrals through the PLENTICON GROUP (PK Office, Systemhaus Cramer, microPLAN) and the FNEXT AG network of 17 regional IT system houses with 60 locations across Germany.

Since 2021 HORN & COSIFAN has been operating inside a growth platform majority-owned by Harald Quandt Industriebeteiligungen with co-investor Cadence Growth Capital. The PLENTICON GROUP was formally constituted in 2022, accompanied by a leadership transition with Dipl.-Ing. Tobias Pflüger taking over as Geschäftsführer from founder Gunter Horn. The company rebranded from HORN & COSIFAN Computersysteme GmbH to HORN & COSIFAN GmbH in late 2024 and relocated to new offices at Felix-Wankel-Straße 10, Frankfurt am Main.

Name

Horn & Cosifan

Legal name

HORN & COSIFAN GmbH

Website

https://horn-cosifan.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

HORN & COSIFAN is a Frankfurt-based German IT system house founded in 1993 that delivers managed IT, cloud, security (Sophos), modern workplace, DATEV, and data center services primarily to mid-market SMEs, tax professionals, educational institutions, and public sector clients in the Rhein-Main-Taunus region, operating as part of the PLENTICON GROUP.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Managed IT Services

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518), Security Systems Services (56162)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

Helpdesk & End-User Support Services (BPAEABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Service Desk & ITSM Outsourcing (BPAEAMAF), Technical & Product Support (Tier 0–2, Troubleshooting) (BPAAABAF), IT Service Desk & End-User Support (L1/L2) (BPAAACAA), Network & Connectivity Support (LAN/WAN, Wi‑Fi, ISP/Telco) (BPAAACAD)

Keywords

• Managed IT services
• IT security services
• Cloud infrastructure
• Modern workplace solutions
• IT system house

Headquarters

HQ city

Frankfurt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Managed IT Services & Support: Recurring managed services delivered through individualized care contracts ('Betreuungsverträge'), available as comprehensive round-the-clock packages or flexible modular services covering infrastructure, cloud, security, and workplace management.
2. IT Consulting & Project Services: Professional services revenue derived from IT consulting, implementation, migration, rollout, and system integration projects. Compensation is based on fixed prices, hourly rates, monthly flat rates, or a combination, as specified in service descriptions or individual quotes.
3. Hardware and Software Sales: One-time sales of IT hardware (devices, servers, storage, networking equipment) and software licenses. Hardware is sourced from suppliers; standard software and custom-configured products are offered. Software licensing includes time-unlimited, non-exclusive usage rights.
4. Cloud Services: Revenue from public cloud services (Microsoft 365, Azure), private cloud hosting/housing, and backup/restore services, often bundled within managed services contracts or billed separately.
5. DATEV Services: Specialized IT outsourcing and in-house solutions for tax consultants and businesses, including DATEV system hosting, document management, and accounting software integration via PARTNERasp.
6. Mobile Services: Mobile contract management, mobile device management (MDM), and mobile lifecycle management services for business customers, supported by carrier partnerships with Vodafone, O2 Business, and Deutsche Telekom.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

HORN & COSIFAN is a Frankfurt-based IT system house that delivers managed IT services to mid-market businesses, public sector organizations, tax firms, and educational institutions. Its portfolio spans seven service lines: Managed Print Services, DATEV Services, Business Services (ECM/DMS, mobile management, digital signatures), Security Services, Infrastructure and Cloud Services, Modern Workplace Services, and AI Services. Services are delivered through individualized care contracts that bundle cloud, security, workplace, and mobile device management under an Everything-as-a-Service model, backed by an ISO-certified data center and a Sophos-based security stack.

Product overview

HORN & COSIFAN is an IT system house and managed services provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of IT services organized into seven main categories: Managed Print Services, DATEV Services, Business Services, Security Services, Infrastructure and Cloud Services, Modern Workplace Services, and AI Services. The company operates as part of the PLENTICON GROUP and provides services primarily to medium-sized businesses, law firms, educational institutions, and public sector organizations in the Rhein-Main-Taunus region. Services are delivered through standardized, technology-agnostic approaches with tailored customer support contracts. The company also provides customer-facing portals including the RZ-Portal for data center services management and the Mobilfunkportal for mobile contract management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Managed Print Services Managed print and copy solutions including printers, multifunction devices, print software for control, efficiency and security, and scanner solutions with software like scanshare, scan|bar and scannerbox, delivered primarily to business customers in the Rhein-Main-Taunus region.
• DATEV Services IT outsourcing for tax consultants and businesses delivered via PARTNERasp, including in-house DATEV system hosting, digital organization, document management (DMS), and DATEV-based accounting software (Fibu, Lobu).
• Business Services (ECM/DMS, Mobile Management, Digital Signature) Business process digitization services including ELO Enterprise Content Management / DMS, mobile device management for contracts, and legally compliant electronic signature solutions for business customers.
• Security Services Comprehensive IT security services powered by Sophos including 24/7 SOC threat response, MDR/XDR, cyber risk monitoring, email security, security awareness training, firewall, Zero Trust, security assessments and penetration testing, and GDPR-compliant secure file sharing for business customers.
• Infrastructure and Cloud Services Private cloud (hosting and housing), public cloud (Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365), on-premises solutions, automated backup/restore services, network services (WLAN, LAN, SD-WAN), and IT infrastructure assessments for business customers.
• Modern Workplace Services Modern workplace solutions including unified communications (Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex Calling, STARFACE, Swyx/Enreach), device services, field services, Microsoft 365 deployment, client management, and mobile device management for business customers.
• AI Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Achieved 13th place out of 648 IT service providers in Germany in customer satisfaction ranking (Computerwoche/ChannelPartner 2023)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• PLENTICON GROUPcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022HORN & COSIFAN is a central member of the PLENTICON GROUP, a leading IT holding company combining four specialized IT companies (PK Office, HORN & COSIFAN, Systemhaus Cramer, microPLAN). The group offers comprehensive IT solutions under an Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS) model, with shared innovation, technology, and knowledge. The group enables cross-selling and access to a broader portfolio and expert network.
• SophoscoreTechnology or IntegrationSophos is HORN & COSIFAN's strategic security partner. The company offers Sophos MDR/XDR, endpoint protection, firewall, email security, and Zero Trust solutions. Sophos products provide synchronized security with KI-powered threat detection across endpoints, networks, and cloud environments. HORN & COSIFAN implements Sophos solutions for its customers and has replaced TrendMicro in its internal security stack.
• FNEXT AGcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHORN & COSIFAN is a member of the FNEXT AG network, a sales and service cooperation of selected IT system houses representing 17 regional companies with over 1,500 employees at 60 locations in Germany. The network enables HORN & COSIFAN to serve customers with multi-location operations nationwide and access a unified solution portfolio for the German Mittelstand market.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationCertified Microsoft partner providing Microsoft 365, Azure, and related cloud services. HORN & COSIFAN offers Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Microsoft cloud infrastructure solutions as part of its modern workplace and public cloud service offerings.
• CiscosecondaryTechnology or IntegrationCisco is a technology partner providing networking equipment, Cisco Webex Calling (UCC), and Cisco Meraki for cloud-managed networking and security. HORN & COSIFAN collaborated with Cisco and Comstor Germany to host the 'Cyber Resilience im Mittelstand' expert event in Frankfurt.
• VeeamsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationVeeam is a technology partner providing backup and data recovery solutions. HORN & COSIFAN offers Veeam-powered backup/restore services as part of its data protection and business continuity offerings.
• ELO Digital OfficesecondaryTechnology or IntegrationELO is an ECM/DMS (Enterprise Content Management) partner. HORN & COSIFAN provides ELO-based document management, revision-secure archiving, and automated workflow solutions.
• TÜV TRUST IT GmbHsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationTÜV TRUST IT GmbH conducts annual external penetration tests for HORN & COSIFAN's own IT infrastructure, including automated network scans, firewall analysis, and manual security reviews. This demonstrates HORN & COSIFAN's commitment to its own security standards.
• Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner (FGvW)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHORN & COSIFAN co-presented at the NIS-2 Congress in Frankfurt with this renowned commercial law firm, offering combined IT security and legal compliance advisory on NIS-2 and Zero Trust implementation for businesses.
• Vodafone, O2 Business, Deutsche TelekomsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMobile carrier partnerships for mobile contract management, MDM, and mobile lifecycle management services. HORN & COSIFAN manages mobile portfolios across multiple carriers for business customers.
• STARFACE, Swyx/Enreach (Gamma Communications)secondaryTechnology or IntegrationUCC/VoIP technology partners providing IP telephony and unified communications solutions as part of HORN & COSIFAN's modern workplace services. STARFACE is offered through MCP entity; Swyx/Enreach through SHC entity within the PLENTICON GROUP.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Bechtle AG: Largest German IT system house and listed IT services/e-commerce provider with nationwide coverage across managed services, cloud, security, and modern workplace. Highly comparable to HORN & COSIFAN's portfolio but operates at materially larger scale and broader geographic reach.
• CANCOM SE: Germany-headquartered managed services and cloud provider serving mid-market and enterprise customers across DACH. Directly comparable managed services, Microsoft cloud, and security portfolio; much larger scale than HORN & COSIFAN.
• GFT Technologies SE: German-headquartered IT services and digital transformation provider with managed services, cloud, and security offerings to financial services and mid-market enterprises. Comparable in IT services DNA, though more international and larger.
• Avanade (Accenture/Microsoft JV): Global Microsoft-focused managed services and consulting provider with strong DACH presence in Microsoft 365, Azure, and security. Represents the upper-end competitive threat to regional system houses like HORN & COSIFAN for Microsoft-led mid-market opportunities.

Direct peers

• SVA System Vertrieb Alexander GmbH: Privately held German system house specializing in data center, cloud, and managed services for mid-market and enterprise customers. Closely comparable in customer profile, vendor ecosystem (Microsoft, Cisco, Sophos), and managed services delivery model.
• Controlware GmbH: German system house and managed services provider with strong Cisco, security, and data center heritage serving mid-market and enterprise customers. Comparable managed IT, security, and UCC portfolio and similar DACH mid-market customer mix.
• PK Office GmbH: Sister company within PLENTICON GROUP, co-forming the 2021 HORN & COSIFAN / PK Office growth platform with HQIB and CGC. Operates the same managed IT, DATEV, ECM/DMS, and modern workplace portfolio and is the most direct internal comparable.
• Systemhaus Cramer GmbH: Another PLENTICON GROUP entity providing DATEV-focused IT outsourcing and managed services to tax consultants and SMEs. Operates an essentially identical service portfolio to HORN & COSIFAN in overlapping customer segments.
• microPLAN IT-Systemhaus GmbH: Fourth PLENTICON GROUP member, providing managed IT, ERP (microtech), and DATEV-adjacent services to German SMEs. Closely comparable in scale, service mix, and target customer profile.

Others

• DATEV eG: German cooperative providing IT, software, and outsourcing infrastructure to tax consultants and SMEs. HORN & COSIFAN is a DATEV system partner (PARTNERasp) selling DATEV-based services; DATEV is the ecosystem anchor rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A1 record

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Horn & Cosifan