40 Years of PROFI
We’re celebrating a success story:
From a doctoral dissertation to a Germany-wide IT service provider
PROFI was founded on February 1, 1984.
Learn more here about PROFI’s history—from its founding to the present day. Take a look at the highlights and awards from the past 40 years. Be surprised by some interesting facts, and find out how it all began in our interview with Dr. Hamm. Our partners also share their perspectives on PROFI and our collaboration.
Let’s get started.
How PROFI Learned to Walk
40 Years of PROFI in Moving Images. See for yourself.
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More InformationHighlights
February 1, 1984
Founding of PROFI GmbH in Darmstadt
IBM Partner, 1986
An IBM partner since 1986. Currently holds the highest partner level: Platinum Partner
Headquarters 1997
Construction of the new building and relocation to the current headquarters in Darmstadt
Revenue for 2000
Revenue Exceeds 100 Million for the First Time
2004 IBM Beacon Award
PROFI Becomes the First German Company to Win the IBM Distinguished Blue Diamond Beacon Award EMEA
9 “TOP Job” awards and 15 “TOP 100” awards
Awards for Outstanding Human Resources Work and Innovative Achievements
A Few Words from Our Partners
“40 years of PROFI—that also means nearly 40 years of partnership with IBM. The partnership between PROFI AG and IBM has always been characterized by mutual loyalty and the utmost respect. Innovative entrepreneurship and technical expertise have always been an integral part of PROFI’s DNA—benefiting not only technology companies like IBM but also PROFI’s broad customer base. It is particularly impressive how PROFI AG consistently rises to new challenges while maintaining a family-like atmosphere in which employees are always the focus—across generations. Within the IBM ecosystem, PROFI AG has always held a prominent position, both in the German market and internationally, and has regularly been recognized as one of IBM’s top partners. As IBM, we are proud to have been a long-standing partner of PROFI.”
Wolfgang Wendt
General Manager IBM DACH
Interesting: Facts & Figures
Where does the name PROFI come from?
The company name PROFI is based on the research and work of its founder, Dr. Udo Hamm, on the “PROgramfor Calculation of FIelds” at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences.
Who is number 3?
According to Dr. Hamm, the employee with personnel number 3 is the longest-serving PROFI. He has been with the company to this day—and thus for 38 years.
Why use a crane for a data center?
The first IBM computer, an IBM System Mainframe 4300, had to be hoisted into the data center with a crane.
3 Questions for Dr. Udo Hamm
– Founder, Owner, Visionary –
– Founder, Owner, Visionary –
Udo, why did you start your own company instead of joining a large manufacturer or systems integrator?
My goal has always been to start my own business—simply because I’m convinced that doing so allows me to operate with much greater flexibility and make decisions more quickly. My stated goal was to develop and effectively implement innovative IT solutions for my clients—and it was very important to me to have the freedom to focus consistently on my clients so that I could understand their challenges in detail and find the best solutions for them.
Did the success of PROFI surprise you, or did you see this path coming from the very beginning?
Success comes as no surprise when you’re passionate about what you do! Customer focus, expertise, and mutual trust are the cornerstones of business success, and trust is earned by upholding the highest standards of quality and reliability. In our industry, constant change is completely normal, which is why the path a company takes isn’t always predictable. This makes it all the more important to remain flexible so that we can respond appropriately to these constant changes. First and foremost, this means always focusing on our customers and working to earn their appreciation and trust—only by doing so can we ensure the long-term success of our company.
Where do you see PROFI in 20 years?
We will still have a firm foothold in the market 20 years from now and will continue to help our customers succeed—though certainly with different approaches and priorities than we have today. The coming years will be shaped by the rapid development of AI, with potential that we cannot even fully imagine today. This will be an enormous challenge, both for us and for our customers. In any case, we’re looking forward to this exciting time!
A Few Words from Our Partners
“Over the past few years, PROFI AG has become one of our most important partners thanks to its tremendous dedication and outstanding expertise. Dell Technologies shares a great deal in common with PROFI—in fact, we’re twins! Dell, too, will celebrate its 40th anniversary on February 1, 2024, and the course of IT history has brought us together over the past decade! Today, we can look back together on a very successful journey and a consistently loyal partnership, and I am very much looking forward to continued growth with PROFI AG!”
Robert Laurim
VP & General Manager, Channel Germany, Dell Technologies
Press Release
Excerpt
PROFI Engineering Systems AG, a leading IT service provider in Germany, is proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary. Since its founding in 1984, this medium-sized family-owned company has evolved into a consulting firm highly regarded nationwide for its expertise in all areas of digital transformation.
PROFI AG was founded by Dr. Udo Hamm and quickly established itself as a trusted partner for complex IT infrastructures in data centers. In recent years, the company has consistently expanded its expertise to address the new challenges of digitalization and hybrid operating models. With a clear focus on digital transformation and tailored solutions, this multi-award-winning company has secured a firm foothold in the German market for IT solutions.
A Few Words from Our Partners
“As a long-standing partner, PROFI AG has consistently invested in the strategic expansion of its VMware business, thereby making a significant contribution to our successful growth in recent years. PROFI stands for outstanding technical expertise, absolute customer focus, reliability, and a family-oriented corporate philosophy—a partner you’re happy to have by your side!”
Armin Müller
VP DACH, VMware by Broadcom
We would like to thank our partners for their long-standing and successful collaboration!
You can count on us!
“We think in terms of generations, not quarters.”
Stefan Langhirt
Member of the Executive Board
Head of Business Operations