Columbus IT History

"Over 19 years, we've learned how to be the best in this business. From hiring the brightest people, to first-hand experience with the latest technologies, we've grown world-wide so we can serve you in your country and your language.” – Michael Gaardboe, Founder, Columbus IT

Since 1989, Columbus IT has become a leading solution implementation company ready to tackle your hardest IT challenges. Take a look back with us at the key events that shaped who we are, what we've become, and how we can help you.

2007

2007 was a beneficial year for Columbus IT, considering that both revenues and earnings on the main markets and activities on these markets were very satisfying. The year was characterized by strong market growth on most markets.

Columbus IT's revenues in 2007 totaled DKK 892M corresponding to an increase of 21% which was in line with the Company's expectations. Group's EBIDTA improved altogether 41% compared to 2006.

Columbus IT's strategically most important markets remained Rus­sia, the USA, Great Britain and Denmark. In 2007 the subsidiary in Austria was liquidated, and the former partnerships in the Czech Republic and Finland were replaced by franchise agreements.

Columbus IT experienced continued growth in the demand for integrated business solutions, and the intake of new customers was considerable. All product groups grew in 2007.

Columbus IT was recognized by several important awards in 2007 by achieving Microsoft Dynamics President's Club Award, Microsoft Customer Excellence Award and Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle Member recognition.

2006

As a part of Columbus IT's international growth strategy for the Company's global presence, Columbus IT has set up offices in Finland, Mexico, Brazil and Chile.

The Danish subsidiary, has experienced a strong growth of revenues and earnings and EBITDA has increased by 38% compared to 2005.

Columbus IT also received the “AX Excellence Award” by Microsoft Worldwide in Denmark in 2006.

In co-operation with Algosaibi Information Systems (AGIS), Columbus IT Partner A/S has established the company, Columbus IT Middle East, based in Dubai. The company figures as an associated company as its share of ownership is 22.5%

In November, Columbus IT was assessed again as one of Denmark's best workplaces for the second consecutive years. Among an even bigger number of Danish companies, the we position was improved from 22 to 14.

2005

In January, Columbus IT acquires minority holdings in its American subsidiary, and on February 28, agrees to buy minority holdings in its Russian subsidiary. As a result, the most significant subsidiaries in the group are wholly-owned by Columbus IT Partner A/S.

In February, Vladislav Martynov from Microsoft becomes CEO of Columbus IT.  During March-August organizational changes were executed appointing new Headquarter functions and strengthening Columbus IT corporate functions and international operations. Michael Gaardboe becomes Vice-President for North America, Jan Olesen – VP for Western Europe, Igor Torgov – VP for Eastern Europe, Oleg Palenov – VP for Business Development, Aliona Geckler – VP for Marketing, Svetlana Ershova – VP for Human Resources and Sven Madsen - СFO.

In November, Columbus IT acquires Dutch software firm To-Increase. Under this new operating structure, To-Increase functions as a dedicated software development division within Columbus IT, while still remaining an Independent Software Vendor (ISV).

In December, Vladislav Martynov becomes President, while Michael Gaardboe returns to leadership as CEO of Columbus IT.

2004

In 2004, the Group contracts with around 150 new customers, which in addition to various local market leaders also includes internationally acclaimed companies

In December, Consolidated Holdings A/S, headed by Ib Kunøe, acquires 12,625,000 shares in Columbus IT Partner A/S, equivalent to approx. 33% of the share capital. On December 22, the Company holds an Extraordinary General Meeting, at which Ib Kunøe, majority shareholder in Consolidated Holdings and Claus Hougesen, CEO Topnordic A/S are elected to the Board. Following the Extraordinary General Meeting, the Board is constituted with Ib Kunøe as Chairman and Michael Gaardboe as Deputy Chairman.

2003

In October, Columbus IT acquires Hands Danmark and becomes the world's largest reseller of Microsoft Business Solutions in terms of dedicated employees, countries, and large installations.

2002

In May, Columbus IT announces the sale of its division that worked with the municipal market in Denmark, to KMD (previously Kommunedata A/S) for DKK 50 million.

In July, Microsoft finalizes its acquisition of Navision, which at that point has more than 1,300 team members worldwide, subsidiaries or distribution centers in more than 30 countries and approximately 2,400 partners called Navision Solution Centers (NSCs). The new name for this main vendor for Columbus IT becomes Microsoft Business Solutions. Columbus IT continues to enjoy a close working relationship with Navision as the leading Value Added Reseller (VAR) worldwide.

2001

In February, Columbus IT forms new partner alliances to sell the add-on Business Intelligence products +TRIMIT and Targit, as well as Matriks Document Management.

In July Columbus IT hires a new CEO, Carsten Dilling, from IBM. Michael Gaardboe focuses on his role as member of the Board of Directors.

In August, Navision purchases the distribution rights to the XAL and Axapta products in the Eastern European countries, which had been successfully developed by Columbus IT. Columbus IT returns to its core business of value-added reselling in these territories. Also in August, Customax, one of several Nordic competitors, declares bankruptcy, enabling Columbus IT to acquire their ERP team in Bergen, Norway. This gave Columbus IT a second office in that country, as well as additional customers.

2000

Columbus IT continues to expand its leading global position as an international reseller and distributor to the mid-range business market. With growing demands from customers for other services and software, Columbus IT realizes that the one-product vendor strategy used to date is too limiting for future growth.

In August, Columbus IT enters into a global agreement with Navision Software. The Company chooses Navision Software as a strategic partner because of its unique international presence in the mid-market. Navision gives Columbus IT the ability to continue building a base of truly international customers to enhance its competitive position in the mid-market. In November, Navision and Damgaard announces their plan to merge, making Columbus IT Partner's decision to take on their products look prescient.

In December, Columbus IT acquires one of the leading software conglomerates in Iceland, AX Business Intelligence, adding more employees and an additional 500 customers to its stable. Also in December Columbus IT concludes a historical agreement for a new partner alliance with Telenor, one of the Nordic region's leading telecommunications companies, to provide ASP (Application Service Provider) solutions to customers in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. This agreement sets the precedent for similar agreements in other countries where Columbus IT does business.

1999

With expansion into Switzerland and Spain, Columbus IT reaches a total of 800 employees worldwide.

1998

Columbus IT becomes a public company, listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange in May.

Columbus IT sets up businesses in South Africa and the United States, as well as service offices in Greenland and France. Michael Gaardboe is appointed to the head of U.S. operations.

1997

Columbus IT Partner expands into four new countries. In the Netherlands and Hungary, new subsidiaries are established with local management. In Hong Kong and Singapore, Columbus IT is represented with pre-existing employees as well as local management and business partners.

1995

Columbus IT restructures to improve management and organizational culture. Columbus IT Partner Denmark A/S now manages Danish activities. Columbus IT Partner A/S, now the parent company, manages international activities.

Columbus also acquires representation in Norway, Sweden, Germany, Estonia and Lithuania.

1994

IBM acquires 50% of Damgaard International A/S to market CONCORDE XAL worldwide as part of its product portfolio. As a result, Columbus IT makes the strategic decision to become an international systems integrator for CONCORDE XAL, represented in the most significant Western and Eastern European markets through locally-owned companies.

1992

Columbus IT develops its own business concept: a horizontal and decentralized network organization with departments across the country that share common sales and staff functions. At the same time, Columbus IT develops its competencies through expertise sharing and knowledge transfer among departments and employees throughout the organization. This enables the company to grow into a nationwide systems integrator and administrative software dealer in Denmark.

Columbus IT international expansion begins with companies in Poland and Latvia working in cooperation with local partners, starting with sales to existing Danish companies with subsidiaries in these new markets. The Columbus subsidiaries and associated companies acquire the distribution rights for CONCORDE XAL in Poland and Latvia.

1991

After training its employees as CONCORDE XAL developers and consultants, Columbus IT becomes an authorized CONCORDE XAL System Center to better serve its customers.

1989

Michael Gaardboe founds Columbus IT in December with a mission to provide customers with sales and support for the Concorde Finance business management system solution. Columbus IT builds its customer base in the Denmark market, and later expands with service centers across the country.