Reliable cloud solutions from one source
Reliable, scalable networking
The BANSBACH GmbH success story
The BANSBACH GmbH success story
Reliable, scalable networking
Whether Industry 4.0, retail or the service sector: digitalisation is changing all areas of the economy. Companies that want to be successful need a reliable and secure ICT infrastructure. The success story of BANSBACH GmbH – an auditing and tax consultancy firm – shows what is important here.
The Azure Cloud provided by Vodafone Business with Vodafone Cloud Backup for Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Defender is the basis for almost all of our ICT solutions.
Sven Bolz – Head of IT, Bansbach GmbH
The Challenge
Flexible ICT solutions for efficient operations
For BANSBACH GmbH and its approximately 450 employees, a stable and high-performance IT system is an essential prerequisite for efficient work. The protection of sensitive client data also plays a decisive role here – on the one hand due to tax and commercial law requirements, and on the other to protect the company's excellent reputation. Another important aspect is the "war for talent" that is also taking place in the tax consulting and auditing industry: in order to attract and retain qualified employees, up-to-date work organisation and modern work equipment are of great importance.
In view of the growing company structure, the IT department at BANSBACH GmbH is pursuing a strategy of standardising processes and technologies across all of the company's current nine locations. Cost transparency and flexible scaling of workstations are crucial in this respect. After operating its own data centre, BANSBACH opted for Vodafone Business as its digitalisation partner, which supplies all solutions from a single source. The company networks its sites with MPLS, uses cloud-based solutions with Microsoft Azure and various security solutions such as Vodafone Cloud Backup for Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Defender.
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The Company
Consultancy firm with a focus on SMEs
BANSBACH GmbH is an auditing and tax consultancy firm that focuses primarily on medium-sized clients – including a large number of "hidden champions". The company was founded in 1924 by Max BANSBACH and Arthur Schübel and even then offered its services specifically to medium-sized companies. Today, BANSBACH GmbH has nine locations, mainly in southern and eastern Germany, and operates nationwide for its clients. Together with their highly qualified auditing and consulting teams, 29 active partners provide a broad portfolio of services for clients. The company is a co-founder of Kreston International, a global network of medium-sized auditors and tax consultants.
BANSBACH GmbH has been active in auditing and tax consultancy for over 100 years – now at nine locations in southern and eastern Germany.
A broad portfolio of expertise and the diversity of customers are the key to the company's success. Trustworthy communication and efficient work processes are essential – as is a high-performance IT infrastructure.
In order to offer its employees and customers the best possible ICT infrastructure, BANSBACH relies on cloud solutions from Vodafone Business.
BANSBACH's IT solutions are based on the Microsoft Azure Cloud. Vodafone Cloud Backup protects the data, Microsoft Defender protects the end devices. The result: efficient, transparent and secure workflows.
The Solution
Secure and high-performance cloud services
Vodafone Business provides the MPLS connection for all nine BANSBACH locations, as well as the internet supply and access to the Microsoft Azure Cloud provided by the Düsseldorf-based digitalisation expert. BANSBACH's servers are hosted in the Azure cloud and Microsoft Teams telephony is provided via the Vodafone Private Cloud. This fully managed communication solution enables BANSBACH consultants to exchange information internally - regardless of whether they are working at different locations, at the customer's premises, in their home office or on the road. It also supports desk sharing realised in the offices and the inclusion of smartphones as extensions.
In addition, the ERP system used internally by BANSBACH employees also runs in the cloud environment provided by Vodafone. The entire cloud infrastructure is secured by the Azure Firewall, which is configured and managed by the BANSBACH IT department. Vodafone Business is also responsible for the provision and management of all required Microsoft licences.
"The topic of security is extremely relevant for us," explains Sven Bolz, Head of IT at BANSBACH, "after all, we handle highly sensitive tax, income and company data."
With this in mind, Microsoft Defender for Business protects against malware and other cyber threats on all end devices used by employees. The detection and defence against security risks and the elimination of vulnerabilities are largely automated.
We value Vodafone as a central and strategic partner at our side, accompanying us on our path to digitalisation.
Sven Bolz – Head of IT, Bansbach GmbH
In addition to data security, BANSBACH also focusses on a stable and uninterrupted working environment. To this end, Vodafone Cloud Backup for Microsoft 365 backs up the accounts of all employees. Especially in the event of accidental deletion, documents, emails and other data can be restored quickly and easily at any time.
As part of the cloud migration implemented together with Vodafone, the last servers previously hosted by BANSBACH in its own data centre were moved to the Azure cloud in 2023.
"Vodafone Business supported us throughout the entire cloud migration," reports IT Manager Sven Bolz. "We value Vodafone Business as a central and strategic partner at our side, accompanying us on the path to digitalisation. We are relieved of basic IT tasks such as managing updates and backups and can therefore concentrate on our core business. Our partnership is always on an equal footing." The two companies intend to continue and expand their strategic partnership in the future.
Secure cloud solutions from a single source
The Advantages
Microsoft Azure Cloud as the basis for comprehensive IT solutions
The Microsoft Azure Cloud hosted by Microsoft is the basis for all IT solutions used by BANSBACH GmbH, such as Microsoft 365, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams and many more. Vodafone Cloud Backup for Microsoft 365 provides data backup for all employee accounts, while Microsoft Defender for Business protects against malware on all end devices.
Everything from a single source:
Vodafone as a central point of contact.
Quickly scalable if required:
For new employees or to set up new locations.
High security and compliance:
With secure solutions from Microsoft.
Relief for the IT department:
Vodafone Business takes care of administration, maintenance, updates and backups
5 Questions for Sven Bolz
5 Questions for Sven Bolz, Head of IT, BANSBACH GmbH
"We consistently implement our IT applications in the cloud."
As Head of IT at BANSBACH GmbH, Sven Bolz consistently relies on cloud infrastructure and services, as well as on close collaboration with Vodafone Business. We spoke with him about the benefits of this partnership and the importance of a flexible digitalisation strategy.
Why did your company decide to consistently implement its IT applications in the cloud?
Sven Bolz: Our cloud strategy offers us tremendous advantages. By using cloud-based solutions, we can standardise all processes across our company locations. The resources we use can be scaled quickly and easily—whether for new employees or new sites. This gives us maximum flexibility and allows us to respond swiftly to change and adapt our IT infrastructure accordingly. We've also gained significantly in terms of cost transparency.
Is the cloud also the answer to the shortage of skilled labour?
Sven Bolz: Absolutely! To attract and retain skilled professionals, we need to provide modern tools—for example, cloud-based applications that can be used seamlessly on the go or from home. Our cloud strategy allows us to make the necessary applications and data available to every employee, regardless of their location. Of course, this also places additional demands on securing access to these systems.
Consistent cloud use leads to high security requirements.
Sven Bolz – Head of IT, Bansbach GmbH
How important is IT security?
Sven Bolz: The importance of data and IT security is extremely high for BANSBACH GmbH. On the one hand, we have to fulfil clear tax and commercial law requirements. On the other hand, maintaining our excellent reputation with our clients is crucial for us. This is why consistent cloud utilisation leads to high security requirements.
How do you guarantee these high standards?
Sven Bolz: The solution package implemented by Vodafone Business impressively covers all relevant areas: Microsoft Defender provides protection against malware on all end devices, while Vodafone Cloud Backup for Microsoft 365 secures the data in our employees' accounts.
How do you rate the cooperation with Vodafone Business?
Sven Bolz: Vodafone Business is our strategic partner. We receive all the solutions and services we need from a single source and benefit from expert support. The cooperation between BANSBACH and Vodafone Business is always on an equal footing.
5 advantages of cloud solutions
Digitalisation for service providers
Digitalisation for service providers
5 advantages of cloud-based ICT solutions
Digitalisation has long since established itself as a strategic success factor – also in the service sector. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in areas such as management consultancy or tax auditing, the use of cloud-based ICT solutions is becoming increasingly important. Against the backdrop of increasing demands for efficiency, security and flexibility, they represent a future-proof answer to current challenges. Five key advantages at a glance:
Scalability in the event of growth or changes
Especially for SMEs with multiple locations or decentralised teams, it is crucial to be able to flexibly adapt IT resources. Cloud solutions can be quickly scaled up or down as required – be it when connecting new employees, additional locations or temporary project teams. This reduces investment risks and creates planning security, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
More efficient work through standardised processes
Cloud-based applications enable standardised IT structures and processes across all locations. Employees work with the same tools and data, regardless of whether they are in the office, working from home or at the client's premises. This increases productivity, simplifies collaboration and reduces interface problems – especially in knowledge-intensive sectors such as consulting or auditing.
Greater IT security and compliance
Data protection and IT security are essential for service companies with sensitive client data. Cloud providers such as Microsoft and AWS are continuously investing in state-of-the-art security architectures. Supplemented by specialised security solutions (e.g. endpoint protection, encrypted backup, identity management), even complex requirements from the GDPR, GoBD or IDW audit standards can be reliably met. Many providers also have data centres located in Germany or the EU.
Relieving the burden on internal IT resources
SMEs often face the challenge of limited personnel capacities in the IT department. Cloud solutions relieve the burden with automatic updates, centralised administration and integrated security functions. This frees up time for strategic tasks such as process optimisation or the introduction of new tools - instead of having to deal with maintenance and system upkeep.
Future viability and capacity for innovation
With the increasing digitalisation of business processes and the introduction of new technologies (e.g. AI-based evaluations or automated document analysis), a modern IT infrastructure is becoming a prerequisite. Cloud platforms offer access to innovative tools, can be flexibly integrated and keep pace with technological developments. This is a competitive advantage, especially in consulting professions.
Conclusion
Cloud-based ICT solutions not only offer service companies short-term efficiency gains, but also lay the foundation for long-term digital resilience. For SMEs in particular, they are a key lever for being able to react flexibly to current market and personnel developments. Those who act now will secure their technological ability to act for the coming years – and remain a reliable player for skilled workers, clients and business partners.
