Systemhäuser

Systemhäuser are IT service providers in German-speaking markets that combine consulting, system integration, and ongoing support for business IT environments. They typically act as a single point of contact for customers, handling the assessment, selection, installation, and maintenance of hardware and software from multiple vendors. In practice, Systemhäuser cobble together solutions from servers, storage, networking, software applications, cloud services, and security into cohesive ecosystems and assume responsibility for delivery and operation.

Originating in the late 20th century, Systemhäuser emerged to bridge manufacturers' products with the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Many are privately owned or mid-sized companies, often with strong local or regional presence, and they maintain partnerships with major vendors (for example Microsoft, Cisco, SAP) to gain access to technology and certification.

Core services include IT strategy consulting, project management, implementation, integration, training, help desk, and managed services such as remote monitoring, data backup, and cloud hosting. Revenue often comes from project fees, recurring managed services, and procurement margins; some also provide financial leasing for hardware.

Market dynamics include competition from global integrators, hyperscalers, and embedded vendor programs; emphasis on cybersecurity, compliance (GDPR), data protection, and hybrid IT; and a trend toward cloud-first or hybrid architectures with on-premises elements.

Examples: Bechtle AG is a prominent German system house operator; other large players in Germany include Cancom and Computacenter, as well as numerous regional providers. Systemhäuser remain a common channel for integrating vendor ecosystems with local customer needs.