qbs distribution
QBS Software is a UK-headquartered value-added software distributor connecting 12,500+ software publishers to 6,000+ reseller partners across EMEA. Founded in 1987, the firm specializes in long-tail SaaS distribution, licensing, and AWS Marketplace procurement, with 450+ employees across 20+ EMEA offices.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersAlderley Edge, United Kingdom
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What qbs distribution does
QBS Software is a UK-headquartered value-added software distributor specializing in long-tail SaaS and enterprise software distribution across EMEA. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Alderley Edge with additional offices in Wembley and London, the company operates as the core distribution subsidiary of QBS Technology Group and runs more than 20 offices spanning the UK and Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Hungary, Northern Europe, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. QBS serves a network of over 6,000 channel partners — primarily Value-Added Resellers, Managed Service Providers, Managed Security Service Providers, cloud-focused service providers, and system integrators — with access to more than 12,500 software publishers. The platform combines automated procurement workflows, global logistics, and targeted partner matching to bring niche and emerging software vendors to market through channel routes that traditional distributors do not service.
The company's service portfolio centers on three capabilities: Value-Added Distribution (covering licensing, integration support, product expertise, market insights, multi-language support, and local account management); Long-Tail Software Distribution (a technology-powered platform for niche and emerging vendors); and AWS Marketplace Designated Reseller of Record (DSOR) status, which enables partners and enterprise customers to procure and manage cloud marketplace software subscriptions through QBS. Products are organized across categories including Developer Tools, Digital Workplace, Managed IT, Security, and Bespoke Solutions, and supported by a partner portal covering the full quote-to-renewal lifecycle.
QBS generates revenue primarily through transaction fees on software distribution and recurring SaaS subscription flows, with stated recurring revenues exceeding $700 million. The go-to-market is exclusively indirect, relying on the EMEA channel partner network rather than direct enterprise sales. The company employs over 450 professionals, is a certified B Corporation, has been net carbon zero verified since 2021, and was awarded the King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade in 2026 alongside consecutive UK Best Managed Company recognition in 2024.
qbs distribution firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- qbs distribution
- Legal name
- QBS Software Limited
- Website
- https://qbsd.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- QBS Software is a UK-headquartered value-added software distributor connecting 12,500+ software publishers to 6,000+ reseller partners across EMEA. Founded in 1987, the firm specializes in long-tail SaaS distribution, licensing, and AWS Marketplace procurement, with 450+ employees across 20+ EMEA offices.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
qbs distribution industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Software Distribution
- SIC
- Wholesale-Computers & Peripheral Equipment & Software (5045)
- akta.pro primary industry
- B2B Marketplaces & Wholesale Platforms (BPAMAGAD)
Keywords
Where qbs distribution is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Alderley Edge
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
qbs distribution business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Software Distribution and Reseller Services: QBS generates revenue by distributing software from 12,500+ publishers to a network of 6,000+ partners across EMEA. Revenue is driven by transaction fees, subscription software renewals, and value-added services including licensing, integration, product expertise, market insights, and local account management.
- SaaS and Subscription Revenue: The company reports recurring revenues exceeding $700 million, indicating significant subscription-based revenue streams from SaaS products distributed through their platform.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Monthly | Enterprise Software Distribution |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
qbs distribution product offering
Product offeringCore offering
QBS Distribution is a B2B software distributor that provides value-added distribution and long-tail software distribution services, connecting over 12,500 software publishers with a network of 6,000+ reseller partners across EMEA. The company offers licensing, integration expertise, market insights, AWS Marketplace DSOR services, and a Partner Portal supporting software sourcing, procurement, fulfilment, and renewals.
Product overview
QBS Software operates as a software distribution platform rather than a single unified product. The company provides two core distribution services: Value-Added Distribution (offering licensing, integration expertise, market insights, and strategic enablement) and Long Tail Software Distribution (specializing in niche and emerging software for over 12,500 vendors). The platform also includes AWS Designated Reseller of Record (DSOR) services. Products are organized into categories including Developer Tools, Digital Workplace, Managed IT, Security, and Bespoke Solutions. A partner portal provides end-to-end support for resellers throughout the sourcing, purchasing, fulfillment, and renewals lifecycle. QBS distributes software from featured vendors including Atera, Bluebeam, Delinea, DocuSign, Foxit, JetBrains, JFrog, Miro, Nitro, ShareGate, Smartsheet, TeamViewer, and others.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Value-Added Distribution Value-added distribution service offering licensing, integration, product expertise, market insights, multi-language support, and local account management across EMEA. Simplifies sales cycles, expands vendor portfolios, and unlocks new opportunities through strategic enablement for publishers and resellers.
- Long Tail Software Distribution Specialised distribution model supporting over 12,500 software vendors, many outside traditional distribution scope. Uses automation, global logistics, and targeted partner matching to bring niche and emerging software to market and help long-tail vendors find routes to market.
- Designated Reseller of Record (DSOR) AWS Marketplace Distributor Seller of Record service enabling partners to purchase and manage AWS software subscriptions through QBS's platform with simplified procurement and distribution for enterprise customers.
- Partner Portal End-to-end partner support platform for software sourcing, purchasing, and management, providing tools, resources, and expertise for resellers throughout the sourcing, purchasing, fulfillment, and renewals lifecycle.
- Bespoke Solutions Assistance with procurement of specific technologies as part of project delivery, tender opportunities, and technology optimisation for system integrators and enterprise customers.
Quantifiable outcome
- 12,500+ software publishers accessible through single platform
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use qbs distribution
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
qbs distribution technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
qbs distribution partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Orca SecuritycoreOrca Security partnered with QBS as EMEA distributor to bring its cloud and AI security platform to enterprise and upper mid-market customers through QBS's network of VARs, MSPs, MSSPs, and cloud-focused service providers. QBS brings executive-level sponsorship, dedicated regional execution teams, and AWS Marketplace DSOR status. Initial focus on UK & Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and UAE/Saudi Arabia.
- HiComplycoreHiComply partnered with QBS Software to strengthen its channel strategy and expand reach across Europe, Middle East, and Africa. QBS supports HiComply in expanding its EMEA footprint by opening access to a wider network of established reseller partners and regional markets.
- Dropzone AIcoreDropzone AI partnered with QBS Software to bring the Agentic SOC to EMEA channel partners. QBS MSSP partners gain access to Dropzone AI's security operations centre solutions.
- PortnoxcoreQBS Software UK&I announced strategic distribution partnership with Portnox, expanding unified endpoint management solutions for the channel.
- Infonet TürkiyecoreQBS Software acquired 100% of the shares in Infonet Bilgi Teknolojileri Tic. A.Ş., the company's operation in Turkey, expanding full shareholding control in the region.
- CadityminorQBS Software signed sales enablement partnership with Cadity, a specialist sales enablement partner, to support next phase of EMEA growth.
- HuntresscoreHuntress expanded its channel ecosystem with QBS Software as a distribution partner to accelerate mid-market, public sector, and EMEA growth.
- SuperhumanminorQBS partnered with Superhuman (formerly Grammarly) to unlock AI-driven productivity solutions for channel partners.
- BaramundicoreQBS Software announced partnership with Baramundi Software in UK&I to expand unified endpoint management solutions through the channel.
- TeamViewercoreQBS is a trusted distribution partner for TeamViewer, leveraging cutting-edge solutions for optimising distribution processes. QBS demonstrates commitment to partnership and supports TeamViewer's business to flex to customer needs, strengthening customer engagements.
- ShareGatecoreQBS is the preferred EMEA distributor for ShareGate's Microsoft 365, Teams, and SharePoint migration solutions. QBS's expansive network and proactive ethos has helped ShareGate access new customer segments and nurture vibrant communities.
- SmartsheetcoreQBS is an invaluable partner for Smartsheet, consistently exceeding expectations with dedication, expertise, and unwavering support. QBS's collaborative approach has elevated Smartsheet's channel sales in EMEA.
- NitrocoreQBS distributes Nitro's PDF and eSign solutions through the reseller market. QBS's commitment to improvement and flexibility has streamlined distribution processes, with reliability and adaptability elevating the partnership.
- Rocket SoftwarecoreQBS and Rocket Software partnership accelerates innovation and facilitates modernisation without disruption for enterprise customers.
- JetBrainscoreQBS distributes JetBrains developer tools including IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm and the JetBrains All Products Pack, serving developer communities across EMEA.
- AWScoreQBS operates as AWS Designated Reseller of Record (DSOR), enabling simplified procurement and distribution through AWS Marketplace for enterprise customers.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
qbs distribution competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- TD SYNNEX: TD SYNNEX is a leading global IT distributor with extensive software and cloud services capabilities. Competes with QBS in serving resellers, MSPs, and enterprise customers across EMEA and globally.
- Ingram Micro: Ingram Micro is one of the world's largest IT distributors, offering enterprise software licensing and cloud marketplace services globally. Overlaps with QBS in software distribution and increasingly in cloud marketplace fulfillment.
- ALSO Group: ALSO is a major European IT distribution group offering logistics, services, and solutions across software and hardware. Comparable to QBS in serving resellers across DACH and Northern Europe with a broad vendor portfolio.
- SHI International: SHI is a large global IT solutions and software distributor with deep enterprise software licensing capabilities. Already a QBS partner (and named among select customers), SHI is a direct competitor in EMEA enterprise software procurement.
- Bechtle: Bechtle is a leading European IT service provider and distributor headquartered in Germany, with a sizeable software distribution business. Comparable to QBS in DACH software distribution and reseller services.
Direct peers
- Exclusive Networks: Exclusive Networks is a global cybersecurity-focused value-added distributor operating across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas. Comparable to QBS in its cybersecurity vendor portfolio and channel-led VAR/MSP go-to-market.
- Prianto: Prianto is a Europe-focused value-added software distributor specializing in long-tail and niche enterprise software, frequently mentioned alongside QBS (e.g., Top 50 UK Distributors 2025). Direct competitor for long-tail software distribution across EMEA.
Others
- Arrow Electronics (ECS): Arrow's Enterprise Computing Solutions business is a global value-added distributor of enterprise software, security, and cloud solutions. Overlaps with QBS in cybersecurity and enterprise software distribution to resellers and integrators.
Emerging players
- Pax8: Pax8 is a cloud-focused distributor serving MSPs with a curated SaaS and cybersecurity catalog. Comparable to QBS's MSP/MSSP segment, with a stronger focus on cloud-native procurement and marketplace tools.
Regional players
- Westcoast: Westcoast is the UK's largest independent distributor of IT products and services, with a substantial software distribution business. A direct competitor in UK enterprise software distribution, overlapping with QBS's core UK market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
qbs distribution social profiles
Digital presenceqbs distribution financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
qbs distribution leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
qbs distribution subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
qbs distribution funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
qbs distribution 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 qbs distribution
What does qbs distribution do?
QBS Distribution is a B2B software distributor that provides value-added distribution and long-tail software distribution services, connecting over 12,500 software publishers with a network of 6,000+ reseller partners across EMEA. The company offers licensing, integration expertise, market insights, AWS Marketplace DSOR services, and a Partner Portal supporting software sourcing, procurement, fulfilment, and renewals.
Is qbs distribution a public or private company?
qbs distribution is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was qbs distribution founded?
qbs distribution was founded in 1987.
Where is qbs distribution based?
qbs distribution is headquartered in Alderley Edge, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does qbs distribution make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Software Distribution and Reseller Services are the primary driver. The others are saaS and Subscription Revenue.
Who are qbs distribution's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are TD SYNNEX, Ingram Micro, ALSO Group, SHI International and Bechtle. Direct peers are Exclusive Networks and Prianto. Arrow Electronics (ECS) is listed as an others. Pax8 is listed as an emerging player. Westcoast is listed as a regional player.
Does qbs distribution have an API?
No public API is recorded for qbs distribution.
What industry is qbs distribution in?
qbs distribution's product category is Software Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAMAGAD, B2B Marketplaces & Wholesale Platforms. Its SIC code is 5045.