Interview: Combined forces, expanded service

DV-Dialog, Issue 3-4/2021

From: Berthold Wesseler

On June 5, 2020, K&P Computer acquired Krefeld-based Blue Consult GmbH. Together, the two companies aim to increasingly become the single point of contact for their customers’ data centers. Dirk Müller, CEO in Krefeld and still CTO at K&P Computer, and Dirk Köhler, who has been responsible for Blue Consult’s operational business as COO since last summer after 25 years as an executive at IBM, explain exactly how this collaboration works.

Two companies, but a single point of contact: Isn’t that contradictory? How do you realize this promise?

Dirk Müller: No, that’s not contradictory at all. On the contrary – the formula 1+1=3 applies to the customer! Regardless of who is in charge of this customer. The takeover has significantly expanded the range of services for both Blue and K&P customers. And the fact that this is perceived and accepted by customers is already very clear after the first few months. For new customers, the overall package of services that we now offer together is usually the decisive factor. However, if a partner is specifically sought for certain services, the core areas are clearly defined. Everything to do with digitalization, cloud and SAP is in the hands of Blue Consult. The maintenance and managed services focus clearly lies with K&P Computer. The important thing is that every Blue and K&P customer has equal access to the entire network of experts and range of services at all times and enjoys the benefits of a single point of contact, regardless of the source.

Where and how can I quickly find the right contact person in both companies if I am looking for support for a new project as part of my company’s digital transformation?

Dirk Köhler: One of Blue’s core topics is digital transformation – we have a lot of expertise and the right experts in this area. We are well positioned in the market – and the high demand for both management consulting and the implementation of digital workplaces, which comes particularly from SMEs, shows that we have established ourselves well here. This is also reflected in the list of well-known clients, such as the Association of German Banks, Misereor and Kravag… You can find the full interview on page 16 in the current issue 3-4 of DV-Dialog.