Further expansion of its European platform for sovereign cloud, open source and AI-ready infrastructures
For us, growth doesn't just mean getting bigger. It means finding the right partners - companies that share the same conviction: that IT must be sovereign, scalable and truly independent. With Fairbanks International Group, we have found just such a company.
More than two decades of open-source expertise - now part of the synaforce portfolio
Founded in 2004, Fairbanks has grown into one of Europe's most respected specialists for open-source cloud infrastructures. Fairbanks supports organisations throughout the entire lifecycle of complex cloud environments - from design and implementation to ongoing operations, optimization and security. The portfolio covers managed services, consulting, training and emergency support for OpenStack, Kubernetes, Ceph and Linux.
Also part of the Fairbanks International Group is 42on, a leading provider for the scalable open source storage platform Ceph, which Fairbanks acquired in 2019. Both companies are active members of the Ceph Foundation, the Linux Foundation, the CNCF and the OpenInfra Foundation - deeply embedded in the communities that shape and develop the technologies they work with.
What sets Fairbanks and 42on apart: They enable telecommunications operators, hosting providers, software developers, SaaS businesses, universities, government institutions, banks and e-commerce companies to build, support and operate open cloud infrastructures. One particularly sought-after capability: Fairbanks offers VMware users a clear migration path to open-source cloud solutions - including migration services, training and ongoing support.
Strategic expansion: The Netherlands as a growth market
With the acquisition of the Fairbanks International Group, synaforce is sending a clear signal: the Netherlands is a strategic growth market - and open source infrastructure is a strategic growth area.
After entering the Swiss market with the acquisition of ServerBase AG, synaforce is now expanding its presence to the Netherlands. Together we are building a growing network of specialized teams, technologies and services in three countries - with deep local expertise, short communication channels and full access to synaforce's portfolio of certified data centers, managed services and security solutions.
Fairbanks and 42on bring with them a stable, long-standing customer base and a reputation built up over more than two decades. This foundation directly strengthens synaforce's European growth strategy - particularly in an area that is becoming increasingly important for digital sovereignty, AI infrastructure and European cloud strategies.
What this means for Fairbanks - and for its customers
One thing is clear: Fairbanks remains Fairbanks, 42on remains 42on. In the first phase, both companies will continue to operate as independent entities. Teams, culture and established customer relationships remain fully intact. A gradual brand integration is planned as part of a coordinated roadmap - according to the same principle that synaforce has already applied in Switzerland: retain local strengths, develop technological synergies, scale the shared platform internationally.
What is changing: Fairbanks and 42on now have access to synaforce's powerful network of IT experts, state-of-the-art data center infrastructure and the necessary resources to implement even larger and more complex projects.
"We are very pleased to be part of synaforce. Together, we form a perfect combination of technology, strategy and culture. As Fairbanks and 42on are strong brands for open-source services, the partnership with synaforce allows us to extend our service portfolio to an even broader customer base. For example, through our managed services, we offer VMware users a clear path to migrate their VMware infrastructure to open-source cloud solutions. synaforce customers can benefit directly from the longstanding expertise of Fairbanks and 42on. I am looking forward to exciting times for our employees, customers and communities!" - Ruud Harmsen, Founder & CEO, Fairbanks International Group
"With Fairbanks and 42on, we are not only gaining technological know-how, but a team with deep-rooted open source DNA and a strong reputation in a market that is becoming increasingly important for digital sovereignty, AI infrastructure and European cloud strategies. Ruud and I are convinced that together we can help customers operate critical IT infrastructure in a secure, scalable and truly independent way." - Andreas Braidt, CEO, synaforce
"Fairbanks has built a unique position in the European open cloud market over many years. Joining synaforce opens up new opportunities for us to further develop our expertise internationally and to support our customers even more comprehensively on their journey to a sovereign cloud, container and storage infrastructure." - Wout van Heeswijk, CTO, Fairbanks
360° IT taken to the next level
The acquisition of Fairbanks International Group is more than just a transaction. It is an expression of conviction: That excellent open source expertise, embedded in a strong European network, can deliver more - for our customers, for our teams, for a sovereign Europe.
Welcome to the synaforce network, Fairbanks and 42on!
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