Herbst Datentechnik

What Herbst Datentechnik does

Herbst Datentechnik GmbH is a Berlin-based managed hosting and IT outsourcing provider founded in 1991 by Patrick Herbst, operating as a premium business hoster for mid-sized and large mid-market German companies. The company is privately held, headquartered at Philippistraße 10 in Berlin-Charlottenburg, and became part of the synaforce Group through a strategic partnership in February 2025. Operations are run by three Managing Directors: founder Patrick Herbst, Helga Krüger, and Marco Wolfrum, alongside a team of long-tenured specialists.

The service portfolio spans managed server hosting on VMware and Hyper-V hypervisors, public/private/hybrid cloud hosting, managed Kubernetes and Docker container orchestration, and high-availability cluster solutions based on Ceph, StarWind Virtual SAN, and Galera for MariaDB. Infrastructure runs on redundant, ISO 27001:2022-certified TIER3+ data center capacity in Berlin (NTT Global Data Centers and Carrier Colo / I/P/B/), connected via Dark Fiber and peered at BCIX. The company additionally delivers SaaS (Hosted Exchange, Atlassian Confluence and Jira, MS SPLA applications), IT security and network security services, data protection and backup, IT outsourcing, server colocation, and Citrix-based workplace management through its Herbst-Hosted-Citrix product. All hosting operates 100% in Germany on renewable energy.

Revenue is generated through contract-based recurring monthly fees for managed hosting, server housing, SaaS subscriptions, and Microsoft SPLA usage-based licensing, supplemented by project-based IT outsourcing and consulting fees. The go-to-market is consultative and sales-led, targeting mid-market and large mid-market German enterprises that require high availability (99.9% SLA with hot-standby redundancy), DSGVO and ISO 27001 compliance, and personalized account management. Distribution is exclusively direct B2B with named account managers; customer acquisition relies on referrals, partner channels (Microsoft, VMware, Citrix, Veeam, NTT, Carrier Colo, ADN), and the company's website.

Name

Herbst Datentechnik

Legal name

Herbst Datentechnik GmbH

Website

https://herbst.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Herbst Datentechnik is a Berlin-based German managed hosting and IT outsourcing provider founded in 1991, serving mid-sized German enterprises with redundant, ISO 27001-certified hosting, cloud, cluster, and Citrix workplace solutions, now part of the synaforce Group.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Managed Hosting and IT Infrastructure Services

NAICS

Computer Facilities Management Services (541513)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Managed DevOps / Platform Operations (Run & Operate) (BPAEAKAO)

akta.pro secondary industry

Software/Application Support (SaaS, Enterprise Apps) (BPAAACAC)

Keywords

• Managed server hosting
• IT infrastructure outsourcing
• Cloud hosting services
• Data center colocation
• IT security consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Managed Server Hosting: Recurring managed hosting services for dedicated and virtual servers, including SLA-backed availability guarantees (99.9% with hot-standby redundancy, 99.5% standard). Revenue generated through monthly recurring fees with term contracts of one year minimum, extendable. Additional services include monitoring, backup, and support.
2. Server-Housing / Colocation: Rental of rack space in certified TIER3+ data centers. Customers install their own servers in Herbst's data center, using its infrastructure, power redundancy, and carrier-peering connectivity. Revenue is recurring based on contracted rack space.
3. IT-Outsourcing & Consulting: Advisory and project services for IT infrastructure outsourcing, cloud transition, and workplace management. Revenue includes project-based consulting fees as well as ongoing managed services.
4. SaaS / Software as a Service: Hosted software including Hosted Exchange, MS Office/SPLA, Confluence, Jira, MS SQL, SharePoint, and other applications. Revenue is subscription-based (monthly/usage-based), leveraging Microsoft SPLA licensing model.
5. Domain Registration & Management: Domain registration and administration services. Revenue billed upfront for contract period (24-month initial term, 12-month renewals).
6. Backup / Datensicherung Services: Online backup (Unmanaged and Managed variants) and VM Image Backup services. Revenue is subscription-based or usage-based depending on variant and storage volume.
7. Hardware Rental (Miethardware): Rental of hardware equipment to customers. Revenue is periodic rental fees.
8. Monitoring Services: Basic monitoring (free, hourly ping checks) and individual monitoring packages. Additional monitoring services are separately contracted with monthly fees or individual pricing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Herbst Datentechnik is a German managed hosting and IT infrastructure provider that delivers dedicated/virtual server hosting, public/private/hybrid cloud hosting, high-availability cluster solutions (Ceph, StarWind, Galera, VMware, Hyper-V), and managed Kubernetes from ISO 27001-certified TIER3+ data centers in Berlin. The company also provides IT outsourcing (server outsourcing, workplace management via Citrix), managed IT and network security (firewall, backup, disaster recovery), and hosted SaaS applications (Hosted Exchange, Confluence, Jira, MS SPLA) under individually negotiated B2B contracts with 99.9% SLA availability.

Product overview

Herbst Datentechnik is a Berlin-based Premium Business Hoster and managed services provider offering a comprehensive, modular portfolio of IT infrastructure and hosting services. The core offering spans Managed Server Hosting (on VMware and Hyper-V), Cloud Hosting (Public, Private, and Hybrid), Managed Kubernetes, and Managed Cluster solutions for high-availability and load-balancing requirements. These are complemented by IT-Infrastruktur und Sicherheit services (IT security, network security, data security/backup) and IT-Outsourcing offerings (server outsourcing, workplace management, enterprise solutions). A growing SaaS layer provides Hosted Exchange, Atlassian Confluence and Jira, and MS SPLA applications. All services are ISO 27001:2022 certified, hosted 100% in Germany (primarily Berlin), and supported by 24/7 specialist teams with SLA-based contracts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Managed Server Hosting Provision of dedicated or virtual server resources on redundant, carrier-neutral data center infrastructure, managed by Herbst specialists, with SLA-guaranteed availability of 99.9% under hot-standby redundancy or 99.5% standard. Targeted at German mid-market and enterprise customers needing individually tailored managed hosting.
• VMware-Hosting Virtual server hosting on VMware ESXi hypervisor providing enterprise-grade virtualization with live migration and snapshot capabilities, run on Linux-based hypervisor infrastructure. For enterprises running VMware-standard workloads.
• Hyper-V Hosting Virtual server hosting on Microsoft Hyper-V hypervisor, optimized for Windows environments including Terminal Servers, Hosted Exchange, MS-SQL, and SharePoint. Targeted at organizations standardizing on the Microsoft stack.
• Cloud Hosting (Public, Private, Hybrid) Cloud hosting with scalable compute and storage resources deployable via an Azure-style portal and billed on consumption, supporting public, private, and hybrid deployment models for German enterprises needing DSGVO-compliant cloud capacity.
• Managed Kubernetes Managed container orchestration service using Kubernetes (or Docker Swarm) for deploying, scaling, and managing containerized microservice applications on Herbst infrastructure. Targeted at development teams and enterprises running containerized workloads.
• Managed Cluster High-availability and high-performance server cluster solutions (HA-Cluster, Load-Balancing Cluster, HPC Cluster) with Active/Passive and Active/Active failover configurations for production-critical enterprise workloads.
• Cluster Solutions (Ceph, StarWind vSAN, Galera, SQL AlwaysOn, Hosted Exchange) Specific cluster technologies including Ceph open-source software-defined storage, StarWind Virtual SAN, Galera multi-master MariaDB cluster, SQL AlwaysOn Failover Cluster Instances, and Hosted Exchange cluster, enabling redundant and fault-tolerant data and application layers.
• High-Availability Solutions High-availability solutions for servers and hosting infrastructure including redundant data centers, failover clusters, load balancers, and geo-redundant configurations across the Berlin NTT and Carrier Colo sites.
• SaaS Solutions (Hosted Exchange, MS SPLA, Confluence, Jira) Hosted software applications including Hosted Exchange, Microsoft SPLA (Office/SQL/SharePoint), Atlassian Confluence (Wiki), and Atlassian Jira (ticketing/project management), delivered under subscription with usage-based Microsoft licensing pass-through.
• Server-Housing (Colocation) Colocation of customer-owned servers in ISO 27001-certified, TIER3+ data centers in Berlin with redundant power, cooling, and carrier-peering connectivity. Targeted at organizations preferring to retain their own hardware while using Herbst's data center infrastructure.
• IT Security Services Information security management including ISO 27001-compliant processes, employee training, incident documentation, and holistic IT protection concepts for organizations seeking certified security operations.
• Network Security Services Network security services including managed firewall (Shared, Dedicated, Dedicated Cluster), 24/7 monitoring, failover strategies, and redundant network architecture for enterprise perimeters.
• Data Security and Backup Services Data protection services including VM Image Backup (weekly full + daily incremental), Online Backup (Unmanaged and Managed), disaster recovery planning, and Offsite Backup solutions for organizations needing business continuity.
• IT Outsourcing Full or selective outsourcing of company IT including server hosting, infrastructure management, and project support, reducing capital expenditure and administrative burden. Targeted at mid-sized and large enterprises seeking comprehensive IT operations outsourcing.
• Server Outsourcing Relocation of company servers to Herbst data centers with infrastructure redundancy options (Server-Housing, Server-Hosting, Cloud Transition) to reduce investment costs. For organizations transitioning from on-premises infrastructure to managed hosting.
• Citrix Workplace Solutions (Herbst-Hosted-Citrix) Browser-based, SSL-encrypted remote desktop access via Citrix with user-level application sandboxing, centralized administration, and Group Policy Management for device-independent work environments. For globally distributed workforces.
• Workplace Management (Desktop Outsourcing) Desktop outsourcing via Terminal Server hosting (RDP/VPN) or Citrix-based hosted desktop (HTML5/SSL-encrypted tunnel) for location- and device-independent access to corporate applications. Targeted at organizations supporting remote and distributed workforces.
• Enterprise Solutions (Customized Hosting) Customized enterprise solutions combining hosting, infrastructure, and outsourcing services; includes standard solutions for load-balancing (campaign servers), georedundancy, CRM/ERP/DMS software centralization, and application hosting.
• IT Infrastructure Design and Management Design and management of enterprise IT infrastructure including redundant server systems, scalable cloud solutions, firewall infrastructure, failover strategies, and disaster recovery planning.
• Domain Registration and Management Domain registration and management as agent for customers, handling connectivity between registered domains and assigned IP addresses, billed upfront for the contract term.
• Email Spam Filter Service Automated email filtering service using rules-based software to block viruses, malware, and unsolicited commercial email (spam), with configurable handling options (reject or tag-and-forward).
• Server Monitoring Automated server monitoring via hourly ICMP ping checks with email notification to a customer-provided independent address; extended monitoring packages available on individual contract with monthly fees.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99.9% availability SLA with hot-standby redundancy (vs. 99.5% standard)
• +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

Integration4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

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

• synaforce (synaforce-Gruppe)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2025In February 2025, Herbst Datentechnik entered a strategic partnership becoming part of the synaforce group. synaforce is a supraregional provider of data center services with special focus on critical infrastructure. The partnership expanded Herbst's portfolio and workforce. Michael Emmer (synaforce COO) became Herbst's Managing Director alongside Marco Wolfrum. The integration and merger with synaforce is being led jointly.
• BCIX e.V.coreOthersBerliner Internet Exchange and Peering Point. Herbst is a member and BCIX-peering partner. The carrier-neutral peering platform on 9 distributed locations allows significant data exchange in Berlin. Herbst's managing director Helga Krüger served nearly 10 years on the BCIX board.
• ECO – Verband der Internetwirtschaft e.V.coreOthersECO is the Association of the Internet Economy with over 1,100 member companies. Herbst has been a member for ~5 years. ECO advocates for industry topics including Data Centers, Energy, AI, and policy engagement. Members have access to an event calendar and networking.
• RIPE NCCminorOthersRIPE NCC is the Regional Internet Registry for Europe, Middle East, and Central Asia, based in Amsterdam. As operator of its own AS (autonomous system), Herbst is a member of this non-profit organization for IP address allocation.
• CitrixcoreTechnology or IntegrationHerbst recommends Citrix for modern workplace management and global desktop solutions. Herbst-Hosted-Citrix provides browser-based SSL-encrypted tunnel access to application servers. The partnership enables device-independent, centralized work environments for Herbst's outsourcing clients.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationHerbst is a Microsoft certified Partner. The partnership covers Microsoft applications, products, and SPLA (Services Provider Licensing Agreement) licensing for hosting Microsoft software. Herbst also operates Private Azure Cloud on Windows Hypervisor.
• VMwarecoreTechnology or IntegrationHerbst is a VMware Partner. VMware ESXi is used as the primary Linux-based virtualization platform. The partnership provides stable virtualization and excellent support for customer workloads.
• NTT Global Data Centers (formerly e-shelter)flagshipTechnology or IntegrationNTT Global Data Centers (formerly e-shelter) is one of Herbst's TOP partners for data center locations. NTT operates the only TIER3+ colocation in Berlin with all required ISO certifications. Herbst runs its primary hosting facility at NTT's Berlin 1 Data Center.
• Carrier Colo (I/P/B/)coreTechnology or IntegrationCarrier Colo (I/P/B/) is a carrier-neutral TIER3 colocation provider in the heart of Berlin. As a family-run company committed to the Berlin location, I/P/B provides colocation space that is BCIX-connected and supports Herbst's redundant infrastructure strategy.
• ASPICON GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerASPICON provides consulting services especially for Oracle database projects. Herbst relies on ASPICON's consulting expertise for complex Oracle database deployments.
• system.De – System & Project GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partnersystem.De is consulted for all networking topics. The company is led by Wilhelm Boeddinghaus, described as one of Europe's leading IPv6 experts.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• IONOS (1&1 IONOS): One of Europe's largest hosting and cloud providers headquartered in Germany. Highly comparable to Herbst in serving German SMB and mid-market customers with shared hosting, dedicated servers, and cloud infrastructure, though operating at significantly larger scale across a broader product portfolio.
• T-Systems: Deutsche Telekom subsidiary offering enterprise IT outsourcing, managed hosting, and cloud services globally. Comparable to Herbst's IT outsourcing and enterprise hosting offerings at the larger enterprise tier, with overlapping capabilities in data center operations and managed services.
• Open Telekom Cloud (T-Systems): T-Systems' public cloud platform built on OpenStack, offering sovereign German cloud infrastructure. Comparable to Herbst's cloud hosting offerings for customers requiring EU data residency, though at substantially larger scale and with hyperscaler-style self-service capabilities.
• Bechtle AG: One of Germany's largest IT service providers offering managed services, cloud, and IT outsourcing. Comparable to Herbst in serving mid-market and enterprise German customers with managed infrastructure services, though with much broader scope including hardware resale and workplace services.
• NTT Data (EMEA): Global IT services and data center provider; NTT Global Data Centers is also Herbst's primary colocation partner. Overlaps with Herbst on enterprise hosting and managed services, though operating at significantly larger scale across a full IT services portfolio.

Direct peers

• Hetzner Online: German hosting provider with data centers in Germany and Finland offering dedicated servers, cloud servers, and managed hosting. Directly comparable to Herbst's managed server hosting and colocation offerings, with similar focus on European data residency and competitive pricing for mid-market customers.
• PlusServer (part of IONOS): German managed hosting provider specializing in dedicated servers, managed cloud, and e-commerce hosting. Comparable to Herbst's managed server hosting and IT outsourcing services for mid-market German enterprises, with similar B2B sales motion and custom solution design.
• syseleven: Berlin-based managed cloud and hosting provider offering IaaS, managed Kubernetes, and colocation. Highly comparable to Herbst's cloud hosting and managed Kubernetes offerings, serving similar mid-market and enterprise customers in Germany with strong data sovereignty positioning.

Emerging players

• STACKIT (Schwarz Group): Schwarz Group's sovereign German cloud and colocation provider. Comparable to Herbst's positioning as a GDPR-compliant, German-only hosting provider targeting enterprises with data sovereignty requirements, though with backing from a major retail conglomerate enabling aggressive pricing.

Others

• synaforce: Supraregional German provider of data center services focused on critical infrastructure, now the parent company of Herbst Datentechnik since February 2025. Highly comparable in services and customer base, and Herbst is being integrated into synaforce's broader portfolio under joint MD leadership.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/HerbstDT
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/herbst-datentechnik-gmbh

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 Herbst Datentechnik