Company History

Everything started back in 1993. IDNT (known as MZ Computer Systems at the time) started its hardware and software business along with network maintenance for small and medium businesses. Just a quick reminder: back then the Internet did not even exist for most people and companies, or was merely a complicated way of replacing faxes with e-mails. Most of the IT solutions in use were based on MS-DOS, and the network solutions used at the time would be outperformed by any mobile network today.

Mainly out of curiosity, Marcus Zoller got involved in creating an operating system which would be able to host other operating systems – “Virtual Operating System” (VOS) was the working title. The concept sound familiar? Unfortunately, a task such as this posed a challenge that went far beyond the resources of a simple hobby and the time left over from pursuing a degree at the FH Giessen-Friedberg – and the emergence of Linux sort of took the thrill out of things. And in 1999 a company called VMWare made the headlines by putting the first such system on the market.

During this time, Marcus Zoller also operated a highly successful mailbox system – a modem dialup allowing users to download current driver software. The system was initially operated on MS-DOS and was eventually transferred to Linux.

The emergence of Windows 95 increased the popularity of the Internet – not least because many people seemed to believe that the Internet was a new invention by Microsoft (the people who believed this also ordered a connection from AOL). More and more people started asking for email addresses and calls for individual email accounts in companies became increasingly loud. In order to meet this demand, there was an easy choice to make: either an unaffordable Internet connection for several users, or a PC in the corner with a modem (with an ISDN card if things had to be processed faster).

This is where the Internet history of IDNT starts. We began developing one of the first Linux-based Internet routers for small and medium businesses. The system was capable of allowing several employees to access the Internet via a single ISDN connection. It also enabled access to external mail accounts which could then be made available to a company’s locally based employees. This allowed internal communication via email to take place.

IDNT moves into its new headquarters in Langgöns. The industrial park provides an excellent infrastructure and plenty of space for expansion.

It is in this year that IDNT leases its first dedicated line for connecting to the Internet and begins development and operation of one of the first e-commerce solutions on the market. The Payment system used is supplied by Brokat. The 256 kBit/s Internet connection used at the time costs a whopping 1200 DM a month. Even product videos are available and transmitted via Real Video.

IDNT develops the software and infrastructure for the Internet presence of a major telecommunications company. Among other things, this assignment involves developing an entire Content Management System and multiplayer online game, a module for sending SMS messages, and the complete network and security infrastructure of the company. The concept for the highly successful Internet presence is realized in collaboration with two popular agencies in the region. The technical realization takes place via Linux and the two programming languages C ++ and Java.

In 2000 IDNT begins offering the registration of international top-level domains.

Apart from the classic hosting of company websites, IDNT operates the first highly successful trading platforms on the Internet. IDNT also offers continuous monitoring of customer installations and Second-Level Support for customer-specific installations. In order to meet increased demand, the datacenter in Langgöns is expanded and the Internet connection is further enhanced.

Since 2003, IDNT has been one of the few providers inEuropeto offer the registration of almost all top-level Internet domains. This also includes an escrow service for domains in countries that stipulate that there must be a company office in the respective territory.

The further improved router technology is now applied as a comprehensive backup solution for the Internet connections of small and medium businesses. Alongside antivirus and content filtering, the product also supports remote access to the Internet for employees on the road. As in the case of the previous models, administration is effected exclusively via browser.

IDNT expands its range of security solutions. A mobile system is developed for use on construction sites or for connecting smaller branches. From Langgöns, IDNT takes over helpdesk duties and VPN connection monitoring between customer sites around the globe. The IDNT Gateway products now connect customer sites via intercontinental Internet links, thereby taking over from expensive dedicated lines or dialup connections.

In mid-2004, the limitations of server operation in Langgöns begin to become evident. IDNT decides to shift its datacenter toFrankfurt. Frankfurt is one of the most important hubs for data traffic inEuropeand provides the ideal infrastructure for expanding capabilities. The primary concerns for choosing a suitable datacenter location are the best possible availability and security precautions.

IDNT chooses as its technology partners theEnterpriseSystems of Hewlett Packard, Sun Microsystems (now Oracle), and Cisco Systems. The latency times for intercontinental connections are an important factor, as IDNT's customers operate all around the world. Thanks to highly positive experience gathered with Verizon in the area of Virtual Private Networks, IDNT decides to use Verizon as its primary carrier. Verizon operates one of the most efficient and reliable networks in the world. The DECIX inFrankfurtprovides a direct connection to virtually all important network operators. This means that the best possible connection is established for all customers – regardless of where they are located.

IDNT begins development of a completely virtual infrastructure. The aim is to offer every customer the resources required for dynamic growth, without having to continually adjust the infrastructure to meet new demands. The platform should offer maximum reliability – of particular importance for smaller installations with growing numbers of visitors. Substantial energy savings are a further advantage of the platform.

The software development branch is now operated by a new corporation, founded specifically for this area of business: the IDNT Development GmbH. This develops highly customized software for our customers and ensures that the system software keeps pace with the rapid growth of our Cloud environment.

The infrastructure for hosting Microsoft products (such as Microsoft Exchange and Sharepoint) is further expanded. Our customers now profit from a platform which is among the most secure, scalable, and reliable platforms on the market. The products can be adjusted to meet changing requirements. Our customers do not have to pay maintenance or upgrade costs, and necessary licenses are purchased automatically.