MB Connect Line

What MB Connect Line does

MB connect line GmbH is a privately held German industrial cybersecurity and connectivity vendor, headquartered in Dinkelsbühl, Bavaria, founded in the late 1990s and operating for more than 25 years. The company designs and manufactures secure remote-access hardware (the mbNET family of industrial routers in standard, .rokey two-stage-security, and mini variants), an industrial firewall (mbNETFIX), and Industrial IoT gateways (mbEDGE, mbXLINK), complemented by legacy data modems and accessories. Its software layer centers on the mbCONNECT24 Remote Service Portal, offered as cloud-hosted, customer-virtual, or MB-managed hosted deployments, with servers in the EU (two), US, Asia, and Australia to support global data residency.

The company's commercial proposition targets industrial OEMs, machine builders, and process operators facing IT/OT integration challenges, particularly the need to remotely service, monitor, and update distributed machines while meeting IEC 62443 and related security standards. Differentiation rests on a security-by-design engineering posture, hardware secure elements, per-device unique passwords, and a SIMPLY.connect three-step onboarding flow. Certifications stack is unusually deep for a sub-50-person vendor: IEC 62443-4-1 (ML2), ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO 9001:2015, UL for US/Canada, CE, RoHS, REACH, and TeleTrusT 'Security Made in Germany/EU'.

MB Connect Line monetizes through a mix of hardware unit sales, recurring SaaS subscriptions (mbCONNECT24, Edge IIoT License) sold on annual billing, and one-time/perpetual software licenses (mymbCONNECT24 virtual/on-premise, mbDIALUP, configuration tools). Go-to-market is sales-led, combining direct enterprise engagement with an extensive regional sales-partner network and self-service account registration through the global Remote Service Portal. Marketing is driven by an information-rich website, industry events (notably GITEX Europe), technical whitepapers, case studies across a dozen verticals, and two newsletter streams (mbNEWSWIRE, mbTECHWIRE). Leadership consists of Managing Directors Timo Bednarek (COO) and Alexander Kamm (CTO); no external investors, M&A, or funding rounds are disclosed.

Name

MB Connect Line

Legal name

MB connect line GmbH

Website

https://mbconnectline.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

MB connect line GmbH is a German industrial cybersecurity vendor that provides secure remote-access routers, an industrial firewall, and IIoT gateways, managed via its multi-region mbCONNECT24 Remote Service Portal. It serves industrial OEMs, machine builders, and process operators across the EU, US, Asia, and Australia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Network Security & Remote Access

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182), Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Networking & Communication Electronics Manufacturing (Ethernet switches, Fieldbus, Wireless) (IMAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Edge Control & IIoT Gateways (Edge PLCs, Data Acquisition, MQTT/OPC UA) (IMAGABAI), Industrial Networking & Connectivity (Industrial Ethernet, Fieldbus, IO-Link) (IMAHAHAI), Data/Apps Connectivity & Adapters (Connectors, Drivers, SDKs) (HDAEAIAK)

Keywords

• Industrial remote access
• Secure machine connectivity
• Industrial network security
• Remote service portal
• Industrial IoT gateways

Headquarters

HQ city

Dinkelsbühl

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of industrial routers (mbNET, mbNET.rokey, mbNET.mini), industrial firewalls (mbNETFIX), IIoT gateways (mbEDGE), and accessories including antennas, power supplies, and connectivity modules.
2. Software/SaaS Subscriptions: Remote Service Portal subscriptions (mbCONNECT24) available in hosted, virtual, and on-premise variants. Provides centralized remote access management, user administration, and device monitoring capabilities with subscription-based pricing.
3. Software Licenses: Edge IIoT License for mbEDGE devices enabling IIoT functionality. Software tools including mbDIALUP client, mbNET Manager, and mbNETFIX Manager for device configuration and management.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

MB Connect Line provides industrial routers (mbNET family), an industrial firewall (mbNETFIX), IIoT edge gateways (mbEDGE, mbXLINK), and a cloud-based Remote Service Portal (mbCONNECT24 and mymbCONNECT24 variants) for secure remote maintenance, monitoring, and IT/OT integration of machinery and equipment worldwide. The offering combines German-engineered hardware with hosted, virtual, or on-premise software portals to enable diagnostics, firmware updates, and digital services for distributed industrial assets.

Product overview

MB Connect Line offers a comprehensive portfolio of industrial communication and security solutions organized into three core solution areas: Secure Remote Access, Industrial IoT, and Network Security. The product portfolio centers on the mbCONNECT24 Remote Service Portal ecosystem, which provides cloud-based (mbCONNECT24), virtual server-based (mymbCONNECT24.virtual), and hosted (mymbCONNECT24.hosted) options for managing remote access. The hardware lineup includes the mbNET family of industrial routers available in three variants: the universal mbNET router, the enhanced-security mbNET.rokey with two-stage security, and the compact mbNET.mini. For Industrial IoT applications, the company offers mbEDGE edge computing gateways and mbXLINK connectivity extenders. Network security is addressed through the mbNETFIX industrial firewall. Supporting tools include the SIMPLY.connect onboarding service, the mbNET mobile diagnostic app, and mbDIALUP client software. Legacy products include the mbSPIDER data modems, mbSECBOX security boxes, and mbPOINT network interfaces. The complete solution enables secure IT/OT integration with products certified to IEC 62443-4-1 security standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• mbCONNECT24: Web-based Remote Service Portal for managing remote access to industrial machines and devices
• mymbCONNECT24.virtual
• mymbCONNECT24.hosted
• mbNET
• mbNET.rokey
• mbNET.mini
• mbEDGE
• mbNETFIX
• SIMPLY.connect
• WEB2Go
• mbXLINK
• mbSPIDER
• mbSECBOX
• mbPOINT
• IRMA

Products and services

• mbCONNECT24 Web-based cloud Remote Service Portal that enables centralized management and organization of remote access services to industrial machines and equipment, with global servers in EU, US, Asia, and Australia.
• mymbCONNECT24.virtual Virtual server edition of the Remote Service Portal that customers can deploy on their own on-premise infrastructure for centralized remote access management.
• mymbCONNECT24.hosted Hosted Remote Service Portal variant managed by MB Connect Line for customers preferring an outsourced, fully-operated cloud deployment.
• mbNET Industrial Router Universal industrial router for secure remote access to machines, supporting 4G LTE, WiFi, and WAN connectivity for worldwide deployment.
• mbNET.rokey Industrial Router Industrial router with two-stage security architecture for enhanced protection when remotely accessing industrial control systems.
• mbNET.mini Industrial Router Compact industrial router providing the same remote access capabilities as mbNET in a smaller form factor for space-constrained installations.
• mbEDGE Industrial IoT Gateway Edge computing gateway for Industrial IoT applications, enabling on-site data processing and connectivity for distributed industrial assets and digital services.
• mbXLINK Industrial IoT Connectivity Connectivity solution that extends industrial network reach to field devices for Industrial IoT applications.
• mbNETFIX Industrial Firewall Industrial firewall for protecting operational technology (OT) networks in production environments from cyber threats and enabling secure IT/OT integration.
• Edge IIoT License Software license enabling Industrial IoT functionality on mbEDGE devices, activating edge connectivity and digital service capabilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 24/7/365 worldwide fault and maintenance service capability
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• TeleTrusT (IT Security Association Germany)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive membership in TeleTrusT organization. Management participates in working groups contributing to shaping the future of security in the industry. Benefits include TeleTrusT certifications (Security Made in Germany/EU) and thought leadership positioning.
• European Cyber Security Organization (ECSO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive participation in various ECSO working groups. Company management contributes to shaping future of industrial cybersecurity at European level. Strategic positioning for influence on cybersecurity standards and policies.
• Sales PartnerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExtensive network of regional sales partners providing local sales, support, and implementation services. Partners help extend market reach and provide localized customer engagement across different territories.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Siemens (SCALANCE / RUGGEDCOM): SCALANCE industrial routers, RUGGEDCOM portfolio, and MindSphere-related remote service capabilities make Siemens a broad incumbent in secure industrial networking, often winning via bundle with its dominant PLC installed base.
• Phoenix Contact (mGuard / TC Cloud): Large industrial automation incumbent whose mGuard security appliances and TC Cloud remote service platform compete directly with MB Connect Line's mbNETFIX firewall and mbCONNECT24 portal, bundled with Phoenix Contact's broader automation portfolio.
• Cisco (Catalyst Industrial / IoT Operations): Cisco's ruggedized industrial networking hardware, Cyber Vision, and IoT Control Center compete for enterprise-grade OT connectivity budgets, often displacing smaller vendors in greenfield deployments at large multinationals.
• Belden / Hirschmann: Belden's Hirschmann brand offers industrial Ethernet switches, routers, and security appliances targeting OT networks. Comparable in product category but operating at significantly larger scale as part of Belden's broader industrial connectivity portfolio.

Direct peers

• Tosibox: Finnish provider of plug-and-play secure remote access routers (TosiBox) and a centralized management cloud for OT environments. Directly comparable product architecture and target buyer (machine builders, system integrators).
• Red Lion Controls: Provider of industrial connectivity, protocol conversion, and remote access solutions (including the former MB Connect Line-related Red Lion Europe product line). Competes directly in similar industrial OEM channels.
• HMS Networks (Ewon): HMS Networks' Ewon division is the closest direct peer, offering industrial routers (Ewon Cosy, Flexy), secure remote access gateways, and a managed cloud service (Talk2M) for industrial OEMs — directly overlapping MB Connect Line's mbNET + mbCONNECT24 stack.
• Secomea: Danish vendor specializing in secure remote access for industrial machines via SiteManager gateways and the LinkManager cloud — a near-identical business model to MB Connect Line and a frequent head-to-head competitor in European OEM accounts.
• Moxa: Taiwan-based vendor of industrial networking, edge connectivity, and secure remote access solutions with comparable router/gateway products and an established global sales channel into industrial OEMs.

Emerging players

• Robustel: China-based industrial IoT and secure cellular router vendor with growing presence in European industrial markets. Comparable product category (industrial routers, gateways) but typically more price-competitive and less security-specialized than MB Connect Line.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@mbconnectline
• Facebookfacebook.com/mbconnectline
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mbconnectline
• Xx.com/mbconnectlineen

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 MB Connect Line