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Prodware is once again honored by Microsoft for achieving outstanding achievement and innovation.
Paris, November 3rd, 2025 – Prodware, one of EMEA’s leading providers of business applications, innovation, and digital transformation services, has been recognized by Microsoft as a Solutions Partner across six key Microsoft Cloud solution areas:
Business Applications, Data & AI, Digital & App Innovation, Infrastructure, Security, and Modern Work.
This recognition demonstrates Prodware’s broad technical capabilities, commitment to continuous skilling, and proven ability to deliver impactful, cloud-based solutions that empower organizations to innovate, modernize, and grow.
Each Microsoft Solutions Partner designation acknowledges partners that have demonstrated consistent customer success, technical excellence, and high performance in their respective domains. To achieve this recognition, partners must meet rigorous criteria across performance, certifications, and customer outcomes.
“These designations represent more than technical capability,” says José Maria Sanchez, Executive Vice President at Prodware Group.
“They embody the trust that our clients place in us every day, the dedication of our teams, and our mission to deliver long-term value through the Microsoft Cloud ecosystem.”
With these six designations, Prodware stands among the select group of Microsoft partners globally recognized for their ability to address the full spectrum of business transformation needs – from data and AI to modern workplace enablement and advanced security.
About Prodware Group
As a leading partner for organizations of all sizes on their digital transformation journey, Prodware drives value by providing comprehensive support every step of the way. Our expertise spans customized consulting, the development of high-value industry solutions, the implementation of CRM and ERP systems leveraging Microsoft technologies, and the delivery of complementary managed services.
Building on over 35 years of innovation and IT expertise, Prodware has also developed a suite of AI-driven solutions that empower businesses to accelerate their transformation and harness the full potential of artificial intelligence as a true enabler of performance and growth.
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Prodware is once again honored by Microsoft for achieving outstanding achievement and innovation.
Prodware, one of EMEAs leading providers of business applications, innovation and digital transformation services has achieved the prestigious 2025/2026 Inner Circle for Microsoft AI Business Solutions.
Membership in this elite group is based on achievements that rank the Prodware Group in the top echelon of the Microsoft’s AI Business Solutions global network of partners. Inner Circle members have performed to a high standard of excellence by delivering valuable and innovative solutions that help customers achieve increased success.
The Business Applications Inner Circle partners represent the top 1% of the total AI Business Solutions ecosystem and drive a significant share of the Worldwide Microsoft AI Business Solutions Cloud Revenue.
Peter Jensen, Enterprise Partner Solutions Lead – Microsoft AI Business Solutions writes: “Your outstanding performance has given you the opportunity to be placed within an elite group of our most strategic Microsoft AI Business Solutions partners from across the globe. I want to thank you for your dedication to our joint customers, as well as your commitment to business excellence. Receiving this recognition as a result of your company’s dedication to Microsoft AI Business Solutions and its customer community.”
Ian Herlevsen, Corporate Vice President at Prodware Group states:
“The Inner Circle members are chosen based on business performance as well as capabilities as an organization, whether that’s creating IP, developing solutions, or having an industry leading focus on digital transformation and AI. We are honoured to be recognized once again for our achievements, dedication to our customers, and the innovation around the Microsoft Cloud.”
“We are extremely honoured to once again be receiving the “Inner Circle” distinction and are delighted to see that our dynamic commercial approach, our performance and our innovative industry focused AI powered solutions and services help us stand out”, says José Maria Sanchez, Executive Vice President at Prodware Group. “This is a confirmation of the efforts and skills of all our employees as well as our strategy to continually invest in innovation and deliver the best possible solutions for us customers to become their trusted long-term advisors.”
About Prodware Group
As a leading partner for mid-sized businesses, large enterprises, and public organizations navigating their digital transformation, Prodware drives value by offering comprehensive support throughout the entire process. Our expertise encompasses customized consulting, the development of high-value industry solutions, the implementation of ERP systems leveraging Microsoft, Sage, and IBM technologies, and the provision of complementary managed services.
With over 35 years of innovation and IT expertise, Prodware brings together a talented team of over 1500 professionals across 15 countries.
Listed on Euronext Growth since 2006, Prodware SA is eligible for the PEA PME (Equity Savings Plan for SMEs).
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Prodware is ramping up its European expansion with the acquisition of Protinus, further strengthening its footprint in the Large Enterprise and Public Sector markets.
Prodware is a leading and major digital transformation enabler. Prodware, in line with its growth strategy, has just acquired Protinus, securing and strengthening its market position.
Protinus is a leading company in providing IT Hardware, Software & Services for the public sector in The Netherlands and generated more than 295 million euros in revenue in FY2022. The Company specializes in serving organizations with 5.000+ workspaces active in Central and Local Government, Healthcare, Education and Large Enterprises. Its consistent double-digit annual growth since 2018 highlights the effectiveness of its strategy. Protinus has developed its ‘Find – Connect – Enhance’ business model to bring clients the ‘best IT has to offer’ using the largest IT partner network in the Netherlands through agile agreements and efficiently coordinating this to provide comprehensive solutions for its clients.
The position and approach align perfectly with Prodware’s growth strategy:
- Substantial market share expansion in existing geographic regions, particularly in the Netherlands
- Accelerating our presence in the large enterprise and public sector markets, where Protinus is a major player, just 9 months after the acquisition of Westpole, which is present in Belgium and Luxembourg
- Building up the group’s portfolio with immediate, tangible synergies between Prodware, Westpole, and Protinus
“Protinus complements our other group companies exceptionally well. This coming together will create substantial value for all stakeholders, including employees, clients, and partners, reaffirming our position as a key player in digital transformation across Europe.” – Alain Conrard, CEO of the Prodware Group.
“Protinus is proud to become part of the Prodware group. We will immediately reap the benefits of the group’s presence in 14 countries, with access to a diverse clientele and a wealth of expertise. Protinus will, in turn, share with Prodware and Westpole, its extensive knowledge in serving large enterprises and organizations in the public sector, including its expertise in the field of managed sourcing through a large network of IT partners, enabling the whole Group to cater instantly to any IT requirement. This coming together will benefit all the Group.” – Vincent Verbiesen, Managing Director of Protinus.
About Prodware Group
With more than 30 years of experience and know-how in IT innovation, we strive to provide value and expertise to our customers around the world. Whether we’re implementing ambitious cloud strategies, cybersecurity solutions, developing AI-powered decision-making tools, or creating IoT applications or deploying ERP and CRM solutions, Prodware is always at the cutting edge of innovation. Since its inception, Prodware has leveraged technological progress to help businesses prepare for the future by creating new economic models for the manufacturing, sales, distribution, finance and professional services industries. The Prodware Group includes more than 1800 employees across 14 countries. It generated revenues of €180M in 2022. Prodware SA is listed on Euronext Growth and is eligible for FCPI and SME PEA.
About Protinus
Protinus boasts a clientele that includes Central and Local Government, Healthcare, Education and Large Enterprises. By finding and offering the best specialized IT partners in the market, customers are able to instantly cater to any internal IT requirement, underscoring once again full-blown IT functional, technical and financial agility. This partner network comprises software and hardware manufacturers, integrators, MSPs, and more, to deliver top-tier services and the most cutting-edge technological solutions to its customers. Its unique positioning with regards to technology vendors and its flexible and scalable agreements, set it apart from its competitors. Protinus is a leading hardware, software, XaaS service provider and excels in providing strategic guidance through a comprehensive single streamlined contract offering.
For more information go to: www.protinus.nl
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Paris, March 14th, 2023 – Prodware, leading Digital Transformation enabler in Europe supporting the digital transformation journey of companies, in particular subsidiaries of large groups, mid-size companies and fast-growing SMEs, announces the acquisition of Westpole Belux to further expand and reinforce its presence in Europe.
With presence in 4 countries (Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Italy), Westpole Belux boasts more than 40 years of expertise in the Information Technology industry: External Service Provider, Sales Process Management, Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity solutions.
Westpole Belux notably manages the strategic IT systems of government institutions in Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy and those of the European Union. The group also enjoys a strong foothold within the Banking and Public sectors as well as with major industrial players. Westpole Belux employs around 320 employees and generates a little more than €40M in revenue.
This acquisition is fully in line with Prodware’s growth strategy in that it:
• Bolsters the geographic footprint and opens up new markets (Italy),
• Strengthens the product/service portfolio – in the Cloud/Security/Compliance business sectors, areas in which Westpole Belux has outstanding expertise in,
• Allows to tap into new markets such as the Public Sector and Banking.
“Prodware and Westpole Belux are two highly compatible and complementary companies. The multiple synergies resulting from this coming together will unleash incredible value for all employees, customers and partners.” – Alain Conrard, CEO of the Prodware Group.
“Westpole Belux has welcomed the Prodware offer with great enthusiasm. The group will now be operating in 14 countries providing an even more comprehensive solution portfolio to a wide range of customers. Like Prodware, Westpole Belux supports companies at every stage of their digital transformation journey, offering an integrated approach to IT solutions and services, focused on reducing complexity, driving innovation and ensuring data security.” – Massimo Moggi, Director of Westpole.
About Prodware
With 35 years of experience and know-how in IT innovation, we strive to provide value and expertise to our customers around the world. Whether we’re implementing the most ambitious cloud strategies, developing AI-powered decision-making tools, or creating IoT applications, Prodware is always at the cutting edge of innovation.
Since its inception, Prodware has leveraged technological progress to help businesses prepare for the future by creating new economic models for the manufacturing, sales, distribution, finance and professional services industries.
The Prodware group includes more than 1 500 employees across 15 countries. It generated €188.3 M in revenue in 2022. Prodware SA is listed on Euronext Growth and is eligible for FCPI (innovation funds) and SME PEA (equity savings plan).
About Westpole Belux
WESTPOLE is an IT Solution and Service provider. With over 40 years’ experience in Technology and Innovation, Westpole is a partner of choice for businesses when it comes to supporting their digital transformation journey.
The company’s vision is to support the digital transformation journey of companies with a comprehensive and customized approach providing technological support, expertise and guidance. It assists its clients in addressing strategic challenges in different areas, such as Cloud Computing, Infrastructure, Applications and Cybersecurity, as well as cutting-edge areas such as Artificial Intelligence.
WESTPOLE embraces innovation with a pioneering, passionate and emphatic state-of-mind that establishes it as a benchmark for the industry.”
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Impacts and innovating with a conscience
In his book, Alain Conrard sheds new light on innovation with a global and innovative approach addressing the related concerns caused by this phenomenon.
This approach tackles the many different impacts of innovation, both the positive and negative ones, and sometimes both at the same time. Impacts on our daily lives, on our thought process and on the ecological balance. A new reality that gives innovation a pivotal role and a tremendous transformation dynamic that affects all aspects of society.
With that dynamic and power come responsibility and duty. Innovators need to ensure that they engage in responsible, including socially responsible, innovation initiatives from now on. Alain Conrard is a strong proponent of ethical responsibility when it comes to innovation, a must-have complement to an innovation culture that is still, for a large part, in the making.
Laurent Bigorgne’s point of view
After Jacques Attali (writer and President of Positive Planet), Maurice Levy (Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Publicis Groupe), Carlo Purassanta (President of Microsoft France), it is now Laurent Bigorgne, Director of the Montaigne Institute, who shares his insights with Alain Conrard on questions related to the impacts, ethical responsibility and the social conscience of innovation.
Innovation affects employment rather radically and directly. Laurent Bigorgne, referring to Schumpeter’s “creative destruction” concept underscores that while innovation destroys jobs because it disrupts everything in its path also creates plenty of new jobs, even if, at first, it is hard to appreciate.
By highlighting the positive impacts of innovation, Laurent Bigorgne explains that he considers the many entrepreneurs or investors he gets to meet, as active contributors to the innovation dynamic rather than passive onlookers.
When talking about data, Laurent Bigorgne makes it a point to show that data is just as much a technical tool as a political one, “Data also means power and domination. It leads to sovereignty.” He puts forward that the power shift brought on by data acquisition and data management should be geared toward fostering progress and serving democracy.
Reacting to Alain Conrard’s statement on the need to not be passive onlookers and his newly coined term “utributor,” Laurent Bigorgne adds that citizens are also very active players through their consumption mode, “there is no stronger force than that of the market : citizens are also consumers.”
Laurent Bigorgne finally discusses the challenges of innovation and ethical responsibility with Alain Conrard, expounding on the Human Being’s place (and limitations) within an ecosystem where the technological advances of machines are ever growing.
The director of the Montaigne Institute concludes this captivating exchange of views with a definition of what the DNA of a great innovator is made of, “A combination of wisdom and audacity that sets the great innovators apart from the rest. There is that crazy and wild streak and also that wisdom because innovating is a very humane endeavour.”
More insights from leading public figures
For the release of Taking the Plunge! A Different Take on Innovation, Alain Conrard and journalist and columnist Eric Revel (LCI, RTL, France Bleu, CNews) talk about the many pivotal issues around innovation with leading public figures.
These captivating and inspiring conversations are broadcast on newtakeoninnovation.com:
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Technologies, innovation(s) & the revolution in ways we use innovation
For most authors, innovation is based essentially on a range of different technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things (or IOT), Machine Learning, the Blockchain, the Cloud or even 3D printing. In his book “Taking the Plunge! A Different Take on Innovation,” Alain Conrard pores over these technologies in detail. But, he also embraces an ambitious vision that reaches far beyond technological considerations.
In his book, Alain Conrard sets the stage for the elaboration of a real culture of innovation. This culture puts the end user, the human being, at the heart of the process. Because the innovation dynamic now kicks off with assessing user needs, customer experience has now become crucial. Alain Conrard uses the term “utributor” to refer to the main character of the system. The “utributor” plays a pivotal role in the value chain, from beginning to end, as opposed to the user who stands by as a spectator and final recipient.
Carlo Purassanta’s point of view
With the release of Taking the Plunge! A Different Take on Innovation, Alain Conrard’s approach reflects what many public figures also believe. On the heels of Jacques Attali (writer and President of Positive Planet), and Maurice Levy (Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Publicis Groupe), Carlo Purassanta, President of Microsoft France, joins in and shares his views with Alain Conrard on the following three topics: technologies, the different types of innovation and the revolution in ways we use innovation.
Carlo Purassanta believes that his main mission is to provide customers with “technological opportunity so that they do not get disrupted by new players who completely reshuffle their industry.” After bringing up the different technologies that shape the innovation dynamic, he explains the benefits of Cloud computing, one of Microsoft’s leading technologies around the world.
Carlo Purassanta underscores how important it is that innovation not be boxed in or pre-determined. Innovation comes in many shapes and sizes (incremental, disruptive and so on…and even trompe-l’œil), going from evolutionary to disruptive. He even suggests that these types of innovation should complement and not compete with each other.
In a very captivating exchange of views, Carlo Purassanta and Alain Conrard, show how the new ways we use innovation have completely reshuffled the design, production and even the distribution process of a product or service.
When asked by Eric Revel to comment on the conclusion of the book, he shares Alain Conrard’s view on the three essential rules around innovation that boil down to – innovation that serves humanity, society and the environment. On another central topic of the book, Carlo Purassanta adds that, “data proficiency has become a fundamental aspect since we use and produce more and more data all the time.” He continues by raising awareness on the question of personal data with regard to third parties. “Innovation requires a higher degree of maturity on the part of citizens. We need to be better informed on the values, the ethical responsibility and guiding principles of the companies we decide to share our personal data with.” He refers back to one of the central themes explored by the book: In this all-out technology frenzy, human beings must reclaim control and make sure they are at the heart of the innovation dynamic.
Next important dates
For the release of Taking the Plunge! A Different Take on Innovation, Alain Conrard and journalist and columnist Eric Revel (LCI, RTL, France Bleu, CNews) talk about the many pivotal issues around innovation with leading public figures.
These captivating and inspiring conversations are broadcast on newtakeoninnovation.com:
- Already available online: A conversation with Jacques Atali, Writer and President of the Positive Planet Foundation
- Already available online: A conversation with Maurice Levy, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Publicis Group
- Already available online: Conversation with Carlo Purassanta, President of Microsoft France
- Monday, Nov. 16th: Conversation with Laurent Bigorgne, Director at the Montaigne Institute
And more to come…
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Change as the only constant
“Innovation” is synonym of “change”. For many, change is hard to deal with. We all tend, more or less, to want to keep things as they are, under control. But today, everything changes all the time. Change has even become the driving force of this whole new dynamic. And it is going to keep accelerating moving forward.
In Taking the Plunge! A Different Take on Innovation, Alain Conrard sheds new light on innovation.
His original take on innovation highlights, among other things, that the only constant today is change itself. And, as paradoxical as it may seem, change has become the only thing that is permanent.
Maurice Lévy’s thoughts on the book
With the release of Taking the Plunge! A Different Take on Innovation, Alain Conrard’s approach reflects what many public figures also believe. On the heels of Jacques Attali (Writer and President of Positive Planet), Maurice Levy (Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Publicis Groupe) ardent proponent of innovation – he is the creator of VivaTech, tradeshow dedicated to start-ups and technologies – talks innovation with Alain Conrard.
Circling back on one of the main ideas of the book, Maurice Levy explains that, “change is an ongoing phenomenon” that drives the world forward. The charismatic leader of Publicis then establishes how change relates to living out one’s dreams: “Change paves the way to becoming better. We can’t dream of something within a context and situation that are oblivious to change: we always dream of ‘bigger and better.’” Innovation therefore leads to living out one’s dreams. That idea is at the heart of an initiative explained by Maurice Levy in this video: the creation of the Escalator. It’s an incubator set up to reach out to young ambitious talents with great ideas but with no means or connections to make things happen. “Reaching out to underprivileged youth to help make their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs come true is the least we can do,” he adds enthusiastically. Fully agreeing with Alain Conrard, he also underscores the societal aspect of innovation.
Maurice Levy also praises how crystal clear the book is in explaining innovation: “It is an extremely useful book and even greatly needed as it shows innovation moving forward. (…) The book impels us to embrace innovation as an ongoing perpetual momentum, and in that sense, this book is incredible: it invites us to reflect on everything.”
Next important dates
For the release of Taking the Plunge! A Different Take on Innovation, Alain Conrard and journalist and columnist Eric Revel (LCI, RTL, France Bleu, CNews) talk about the many pivotal issues around innovation with leading public figures.
These captivating and inspiring conversations are broadcast on newtakeoninnovation.com:
- Already available online: A conversation with Jacques Atali, Writer and President of the Positive Planet Foundation
- Already available online: A conversation with Maurice Levy, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Publicis Group
- Monday, Nov. 9th: Conversation with Carlo Purassanta, President of Microsoft France
- Monday, Nov. 16th: Conversation with Laurent Bigorgne, Director at the Montaigne Institute
And many more to come…
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Taking the Plunge! A Different Take on Innovation is out! By Alain Conrard, CEO of Prodware and President of the Commission on Digital Strategies of the (METI – professional guild for mid-market companies) – Cent Mille Milliards Publishing.
He sheds light on the challenges and scope of innovation, when it is all full throttle ahead and technological advancements keep pushing back the boundaries of our ways of living (robotics, artificial intelligence, deep learning, big data, the Internet of Things).
With his impressive track record in Innovation Consulting for Growth Strategies, Alain Conrard has a unique vantage point when it comes to innovation. In Taking the Plunge! A Different Take on Innovation, he develops a theory based on innovation that stems from hands-on experience garnered from an innovation practice of the highest standard.
A conversation with Jacques Attali
“This book clearly conveys the meaning of what creativity stands for. How challenging it is to hit that creative mark, how you need to be innovation-literate on the one hand, knowledgeable of what has already been done, and also be “the new kid on the block” ready to trailblaze like there is no tomorrow.”
In this video, Jacques Attali highlights the original angle of Taking the Plunge! A Different Take on Innovation: that of a “business practitioner” who gives innovation a lot of thought and reflects on how innovation could be a driving force for our society moving forward. In that respect, innovation needs to be positive i.e. a dynamic that will serve future generations. Jacques Attali, along with Alain Conrard, make it clear that innovation is above all about creativity. Providing it does not spell out destruction and amnesia, innovation can foster more harmony between Man and all living things.
A unique vantage point on innovation
Innovation affects all aspects of our lives. It definitely drives the strategy of companies and supports their growth. Key to their competitive edge, innovation is also key to the prosperity of countries. Nevertheless, innovation raises many concerns such as, “Where does it come from?” “Is there really cause for concern?” “How do we make sure we don’t get caught up in something dangerous instead of ensuring that it benefits all?”
Watch videos of the different conversations with Jacques Attali, Maurice Levy, Carlo Purassanta, Laurent Bigorgne and Eric Revel
For the release of Taking the Plunge! A Different Take on Innovation, Alain Conrard and journalist and columnist Eric Revel (LCI, RTL, France Bleu, CNews) talk about the many pivotal issues around innovation with leading public figures.
These captivating and inspiring conversations are broadcast on newtakeoninnovation.com:
- Monday, Oct. 26th: Conversation with Maurice Levy, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Publicis Group
- Monday, Nov. 9th: Conversation with Carlo Purassanta, President of Microsoft France
- Monday, Nov. 16th: Conversation with Laurent Bigorgne, Director at the Montaigne Institute
And many more to come…