Bechtle manager Dr. Olaf Schäfer on stable endpoints, OT security, and growth plans: amid ransomware and supply chain risks, Bechtle relies on IGEL solutions for secure, immutable work environments. The virtual workplace expert explains why the German thin client system has a future even without classic VDI.
back on more than 25 years of experience in IT. Since 1998, he has focused on published desktops, agile working, and partnerships such as the one with IGEL. As head of strategic portfolio development, he knows the challenges facing Bechtle’s systems houses in Regensburg, Dortmund, Hamburg, and Austria firsthand.
Community and Digital Sovereignty as Success Factors
“A functioning community is essential,” Schäfer emphasizes. For more than 20 years, Bechtle specialists have met twice a year for three intensive days to exchange views on shared challenges, specific projects, and practical solutions. This exchange is a key success factor. IGEL in particular stands for digital sovereignty: “German-language support is crucial — English-language barriers hold many customers back. IGEL is manufactured in Germany and operates 100 percent through the channel.”
From Hardware Manufacturer to Software Specialist
In recent years, some vendors have moved directly into the systems house business, but IGEL is serious about its 100 percent commitment to the channel, and years of experience with IGEL are paying off. “At the start there was often distrust, when IGEL parted ways with hardware manufacturing. But in the long run, it was the right move for IGEL to step away from hardware.” Even today, some IGEL systems have run stably for ten years, though the demands of a modern workplace keep growing. The OS also runs excellently on hardware such as older notebooks, even on HP thin clients, and delivers a markedly better user experience. Other hardware can now also be used and is available bundled from well-known manufacturers.
Security as a Central Theme — Including for AI
Security is a central topic. IGEL positions itself as a stable endpoint, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence. Internal AI applications need clear boundaries. The IGEL client on the backend enables this without offloading sensitive data. Against ransomware, the immutable operating system and hardware availability offer a kind of “insurance.” Even in the event of outages, web-based applications such as Microsoft 365 can keep running — a fallback that preserves communication.
MSP Program and OT Security
Bechtle is planning a comprehensive MSP program with dual-boot or boot-stick solutions. Three programs are planned: classic VDI, BCDR (Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery), and a hypervisor for production environments. “Software can help when the hardware breaks,” Schäfer explains. This is complemented by IoT solutions and Bechtle PLM. OT security (operational technology) is playing a growing role — visible in the strong presence at the Hannover Messe.
Windows 11 as a Growth Driver
Bechtle is a Platinum partner for several vendors. In Austria, the VDI program has already been running successfully for several years. IGEL is currently building new competencies, particularly for government agencies and highly secure environments. Long renewal cycles are a thing of the past. As part of the Windows 10-to-11 transition, IGEL serves as an expansion option: old devices can be switched to a secure OS — particularly relevant the more customers rely on SaaS.
OS 12: From Thin Client System to Fully-Fledged Operating System
As a German company with developers on-site, IGEL convinces through continuity. OS 12 brings exciting possibilities for BCDR and hypervisor functions. It is evolving into a fully-fledged operating system with granular updates, which significantly eases operations. The first OS 12 projects are already underway.
Broad Customer Base, Positive Growth Signals
The customer structure is broad: around 70 percent come from retail, manufacturing, OT, healthcare, insurance, and banking. While some sectors have recently slowed somewhat, Schäfer sees positive signs of a turnaround. “With manageable personnel effort, we’re planning revenue growth in the high double-digit percentage range.” IGEL’s restart is making a very positive impression. The company is actively continuing to develop — without being solely dependent on classic VDI — and is clearly moving in the right direction.
Conclusion
For systems houses and end customers, IGEL therefore remains a reliable foundation for secure, flexible, and sovereign IT workplaces. At a time of growing cyber threats and geopolitical uncertainty, this approach is gaining further significance. Bechtle and IGEL are positioning themselves together as partners for stable, future-proof solutions.
Dr. Jakob Jung is Editor-in-Chief of Security Storage and Channel Germany. He has been working in IT journalism for more than 20 years. His career includes Computer Reseller News, Heise Resale, Informationweek, Techtarget (storage and data center) and ChannelBiz. He also freelances for numerous IT publications, including Computerwoche, Channelpartner, IT-Business, Storage-Insider and ZDnet. His main topics are channel, storage, security, data center, ERP and CRM.
Contact via Mail: jakob.jung@security-storage-und-channel-germany.de