UpperLink

What UpperLink does

UpperLink is a French ESN (Enterprise de Services du Numérique / IT services firm) headquartered in Lognes, near Paris, founded in 2007 and specializing in Microsoft-centric digital transformation and IT-as-a-Service. The company delivers a 360-degree portfolio organized into six solution areas — Modern Workplace, Security, Infrastructure & Cloud, Business Applications, Pilotage & Data, and Microsoft Licensing (CSP) — built around Microsoft 365, Azure, Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and associated security tools (Sentinel, Defender). It serves French and European PME, ETI, and Grands Groupes, supervising thousands of users across its installed base. Its proprietary offerings include the Dynamics Franch'UP franchise-management solution (co-built with Microsoft) and an autonomous CSP license-management portal, supplemented by partnerships with Mantra (AI-powered anti-phishing) and Board of Cyber.

The company generates revenue across four streams: project-based professional services (consulting, audits, migrations, change management), recurring managed services (delegated CIO, 24/7 supervision, help desk), Microsoft CSP licensing resale (prorated monthly billing with no commitment), and cybersecurity services including shared CISO and SOC-adjacent offerings. UpperLink has held Microsoft Gold Partner and Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Tier 1 status for over 10 years, holds ISO 27001 certification (renewed 2023) across all activities, and obtained QUALIOPI training certification in November 2021. It reported €22M in revenue for 2024 with 51-100 employees and is led by President René-Louis Adda.

In April 2024, UpperLink was acquired by Inherent Group, the umbrella brand of Adista, France's leading alternative B2B cloud, connectivity, and cybersecurity operator. The transaction integrates UpperLink into a larger sovereign cloud and telecom platform, extending its capabilities into unified telecommunications, sovereign hybrid hosting, and SOC services while retaining UpperLink's brand, leadership, and Microsoft franchise.

Name

UpperLink

Legal name

Upper-Link

Website

https://upper-link.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

UpperLink is a French Microsoft-focused ESN delivering digital transformation, managed IT, cybersecurity, and Microsoft licensing (CSP) services to PME, ETI, and large enterprises across France and Europe, generating €22M in 2024 revenue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

IT Services

NAICS

Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (51821)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

Enterprise Application License Advisory, Vendor Management & Optimization (BPAEAGAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Software License Resale & Optimization (Perpetual/Subscription) (BPAEAOAC), IT Procurement & Sourcing Services (Hardware/Software) (BPAEAOAG)

Keywords

• IT outsourcing
• Cloud migration services
• Cybersecurity consulting
• Dynamics 365 implementation
• Managed infrastructure services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lognes

HQ country

France

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. Professional Services: Consulting, auditing, project management, migration services, training, and change management across the company's four departments: digital transformation, IT management and outsourcing, training and change management, and integration and development. Billed through project-based or retainer engagements.
2. Managed Services: Ongoing IT management, outsourced DSI (delegated CIO), 24/7 infrastructure and application supervision, help desk and technical assistance. Recurring revenue stream through monthly service contracts.
3. Microsoft CSP Licensing: As a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Tier 1, Upper-Link resells Microsoft licenses (Office 365, Dynamics 365, Azure, Microsoft 365, security tools) with prorata billing, no commitment, and preferential pricing. Revenue generated as margin on license resale, with monthly invoicing per active license.
4. Cybersecurity Services: Security audit, penetration testing, shared CISO (RSSI à temps partagé) services, SOC offerings, and anti-phishing training. Provided both as standalone projects and integrated within managed services contracts.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Upper-Link is a French IT services firm (ESN) that delivers digital transformation, IT outsourcing, cybersecurity, and Microsoft ecosystem consulting for SMEs, mid-market, and large enterprises across France and Europe. The company resells Microsoft licenses through its Tier 1 Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) status and implements Microsoft 365, Azure, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and security solutions, supplemented by proprietary offerings such as Dynamics Franch'UP for franchise networks and the Mantra-powered anti-phishing platform. Revenue is generated from professional services (consulting, audit, migration, training), managed services (24/7 supervision, help desk, delegated CIO), CSP license resale, and dedicated cybersecurity engagements.

Product overview

UpperLink is a Microsoft-focused IT services company (ESN) offering a comprehensive portfolio of digital transformation solutions organized into six solution areas: Modern Workplace (productivity and collaboration), Sécurité (cybersecurity), Infrastructure & Cloud (Azure-based cloud services), Business Applications (Dynamics 365 CRM/ERP), Pilotage & Data (Power BI analytics), and Licences Microsoft (CSP program). The portfolio centers on the Microsoft ecosystem, providing services from license acquisition through implementation, with proprietary offerings like Dynamics Franch'UP for franchise networks and Mantra-powered antiphishing solutions. The company operates as a Cloud Solution Provider Tier 1 and Microsoft Gold Partner, delivering managed services across France and Europe.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Dynamics Franch'UP: A franchise management solution developed by Upper-Link in collaboration with Microsoft, based on Microsoft Dynamics 365. Includes subscription, technical infrastructure, applications, and Upper-Link services for managing franchise networks.

Products and services

• Microsoft 365 Copilot AI-powered productivity assistant integrating generative AI across Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) for enhanced creativity, security, and workflow automation. Implemented and supported by Upper-Link for SMEs, mid-market, and large enterprises.
• Microsoft Teams Unified communications and collaboration platform with video conferencing, cloud telephony, file sharing, and integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Deployed and managed by Upper-Link for businesses of all sizes.
• Microsoft Office 365 / Microsoft 365 Comprehensive productivity suite including Office applications, collaboration tools, security features, and device management. Implemented and supported by Upper-Link for SMEs, mid-market, and large enterprises.
• Artificial Intelligence Services Custom AI development and integration services including intelligent automation, conversational agents, predictive analytics, NLP, and business-specific AI applications built on the Microsoft AI stack.
• Antiphishing (Mantra-powered) AI-powered phishing simulation and cybersecurity awareness training platform offering 100% automated attack simulations based on real OSINT and social engineering techniques, with e-learning modules integrated into Teams and Slack, gamification, and multi-language support.
• Microsoft Azure Sentinel Cloud-native Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution for proactive threat detection, investigation, and response across hybrid cloud environments. Deployed and managed by Upper-Link.
• Microsoft Azure Defender Cloud security posture management (CSPM) and workload protection solution securing resources across Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud environments.
• Microsoft Azure Microsoft's cloud computing platform offering IaaS and PaaS services for application hosting, data storage, and digital transformation, sold and migrated by Upper-Link as a Tier 1 CSP partner.
• Application Modernization Application modernization and custom development services leveraging Azure, open-source practices, and modern development methodologies.
• Dynamics Franch'UP Proprietary Microsoft Dynamics 365-based franchise management solution including CRM, sales, marketing, customer service, field service, and a Teams portal for franchise networks. Developed by Upper-Link in collaboration with Microsoft.
• Dynamics 365 Customer Service AI-powered customer service management with omnichannel support, case management, and productivity tools for service agents. Deployed by Upper-Link.
• Dynamics 365 Marketing Marketing automation platform with real-time customer journey orchestration, AI-powered recommendations, and lead management capabilities.
• Dynamics 365 Sales Sales automation and pipeline management solution with AI-powered insights, team collaboration, and real-time customer sentiment analysis.
• Microsoft Power Apps Low-code application development platform enabling rapid creation of mobile and web apps with 500+ connectors and Microsoft Dataverse integration.
• Microsoft Power BI Business intelligence and data visualization platform connecting data sources, creating interactive dashboards, and enabling enterprise-scale analytics.
• Microsoft Power Automate Workflow automation platform with low-code capabilities, AI Builder integration, and process advisor for automating repetitive tasks and business processes.
• Microsoft CSP Contracts Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider contract management offering flexible licensing, prorated billing, autonomous management through a proprietary portal, and unlimited training access. Includes Office 365, Dynamics 365, Azure, and Microsoft 365.
• Managed IT Services and IT Outsourcing Ongoing IT management, outsourced DSI (delegated CIO), 24/7 infrastructure and application supervision, help desk, and technical assistance delivered under monthly retainer contracts.
• Cybersecurity Services Security audit, penetration testing, shared CISO (RSSI à temps partagé), SOC offerings, and anti-phishing training delivered as standalone projects or integrated within managed services contracts.
• Audit and Consulting Services IT auditing, recommendations, security and POC/test engagements, and consulting projects billed per project or phase, supporting clients on digital transformation and Microsoft platform adoption.

Quantifiable outcome

• Supervises thousands of users for clients across France and Europe
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability9 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Inherent Group (Adista)coreOthers · 1 April 2024Upper-Link joined the Inherent Group (umbrella brand of Adista), the current leader in alternative B2B cloud, connectivity, and cybersecurity in France. This acquisition strengthens Upper-Link's offering in unified telecommunications, sovereign hybrid hosting, and SOC cybersecurity services. Both Adista and Upper-Link are major Microsoft partners certified CSP Tier 1 and Solution Partner.
• MantracoreTechnology or Integration · 1 May 2023Upper-Link partnered with Mantra to integrate AI-powered anti-phishing simulation and training into its security portfolio. Mantra's platform offers 100% automated attack simulations based on real OSINT and Social Engineering techniques, with e-learning modules integrated into Teams and Slack, gamification, and 5-language support.
• Board of CyberminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2023Upper-Link partnered with Board of Cyber, a French cybersecurity startup, to offer a comprehensive 360-degree cybersecurity offering for clients' entire IT systems. This partnership complements Upper-Link's existing security services.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationUpper-Link is a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Tier 1 and Solution Partner with Gold-level competencies. The partnership enables Upper-Link to resell the full Microsoft portfolio (Azure, M365, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, security tools) with direct access to Microsoft support and preferential pricing. This is the core technology foundation of Upper-Link's entire service offering.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Devoteam: French-headquartered IT services firm with a deep, longstanding focus on the Microsoft ecosystem (Azure, M365, Dynamics, Power Platform, security). Closely comparable in customer base (mid-market and enterprise in France/Europe), service mix (managed services, transformation, licensing advisory), and Microsoft Gold/CSP positioning.
• Hardis Group: French ESN with strong Microsoft and cloud-application focus (Dynamics 365, Azure), serving PME/ETI/Grands Groupes in France. Highly comparable in service mix, Microsoft-centric delivery model, and target customer profile.
• Aubay: French IT services and consulting firm with a Microsoft practice and broad client base across France and Europe. Comparable in IT services delivery, Microsoft ecosystem focus, and digital transformation offerings.
• Inetum (formerly GFI Informatique): Major French ESN with substantial Microsoft and digital transformation practices serving PME, ETI, and large enterprises across France. Directly comparable in service portfolio, customer segmentation, and Microsoft partner positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Adista (Inherent Group): Parent company of UpperLink and a French leader in alternative B2B cloud, connectivity, and cybersecurity. Larger and more diversified than UpperLink, with overlapping Microsoft CSP/Solution Partner credentials but a broader portfolio that includes sovereign hosting and SOC services.
• Econocom: European IT services and equipment provider with significant operations in France. Comparable in mid-market and enterprise IT services delivery, though broader in scope (financing, infrastructure) than UpperLink's Microsoft-centric model.
• SCC (Specialist Computer Centres): Large European IT services and Microsoft partner operating in France. Comparable in CSP licensing, managed services, and Microsoft enterprise deployments, but at significantly larger scale and broader geographic reach.
• Capgemini: Global IT services leader with a substantial Microsoft practice in France. Comparable in Microsoft-centric digital transformation and managed services for large enterprises, but operates at vastly greater scale and with a global delivery model.
• Sopra Steria: Major European IT services group headquartered in France with significant Microsoft, cloud, and digital transformation capabilities. Comparable in enterprise customer base and Microsoft ecosystem focus, though far larger and more diversified.

Emerging players

• Alithya: North American-headquartered IT consulting firm with Microsoft practice (Dynamics 365, Azure) and growing European presence. Comparable in Microsoft-centric digital transformation services and mid-market customer focus, though with different geographic anchors.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/upper-link
• Xx.com/upper_link

Compliance5 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&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about UpperLink