- The collaboration strengthens the position as IT and security partner in the Netherlands and abroad
- The combination is able to better support customers in solutions and services around the security of Microsoft 365, Azure, and data
- Together, Breens Network and QS Solutions form a strong Microsoft partner
Breens Network is a Dutch Edtech collective where education and technology converge to create the digital future of learning and development. The collective—which includes IT-Workz, Educator, Progress Onderwijs, SLBdiensten, and Breens IT-Solutions—covers the entire spectrum of educational technology, from consulting, infrastructure, and management to proprietary learning platforms and tools that make educational institutions more agile and learning more dynamic and engaging.
QS Solutions is a recognized ISV (Independent Software Vendor) and MSP (Managed Service Provider) within the Microsoft ecosystem and operates internationally in the field of organizational cyber resilience. With its in-house developed solutions and specialized knowledge, QS Solutions ensures that employees work as safely and productively as possible, regardless of their location or device. This is achieved through Microsoft technology and in-house developed software such as the Cyber Security Assessment Tool (CSAT), PortalTalk, and Qare365.
The companies are transitioning from being an education specialist and a Modern Work and Security company to becoming a single entity that can guide customers in digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), optimization, and the security of IT environments. They will continue this joint effort across multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, and small to medium-sized enterprises. Moreover, the partnership will enable the company to expand its international activities by leveraging an existing partner network of more than 800 partners worldwide.
Both companies have been active for over 20 years and together have a large customer base, with the potential to expand into more managed services and products. This partnership is a strategic move, allowing the combined company to leverage the strengths of both businesses. With years of market knowledge, they can meet the growing needs of customers by providing a more comprehensive offering in security. Both companies are part of the private equity firm Capital A.
Charles Stork, Director of Breens Network: “The partnership with QS Solutions allows us to develop and offer education-specific assessments, solutions, and services related to the security of Microsoft 365, Azure, and data to the education sector. The vulnerability of the education sector in terms of cybersecurity has repeatedly proven to be very high. Developments such as AI make understanding your vulnerabilities even more urgent. Additionally, this helps educational institutions to get their IT environments in order, considering all the regulations surrounding information security and privacy. The partnership with QS Solutions will add significant value to education.”
Paul Dols, Director of QS Solutions: “Our collaboration with Breens Network strengthens our Managed Service Provider and Azure competencies, enabling us to deliver an enhanced data and AI offering. Our product development capabilities have doubled, resulting in improved economies of scale and quality of product development. Together, we are a key Microsoft partner in the Netherlands, with our international Partner Channel offering ample opportunities to distribute our joint products.”
About Breens Network
Breens Network is a Dutch Edtech collective where education and technology converge to create the digital future of learning and development. Originating from the education sector, the collective speaks the language of educational institutions and professionals, understands students’ ambitions, and translates them into technological solutions that enrich and future-proof the individual learning process. Breens Network serves more than 2.5 million students, teachers, and staff in primary, secondary, vocational, and higher education.
About QS Solutions
QS Solutions is an international company focused on working efficiently and securely. As a Microsoft partner, QS Solutions works to improve organizations’ cyber resilience, ensuring employees work as safely and productively as possible, regardless of their location or device. This is achieved through Microsoft technology and in-house developed software such as the Cyber Security Assessment Tool (CSAT), PortalTalk, and Qare365. For maximum user adoption, smart software adjustments and customizations are used to make the digital workplace simpler and more secure, thus increasing productivity while ensuring optimal security.
About Capital A
Breens Network and QS Solutions are both part of the private equity firm Capital A. Capital A is one of the oldest private equity firms in the Netherlands, originating from ABN AMRO in the 1980s as an investment fund focused on small and medium-sized enterprises. Since 2018, Capital A has operated independently, continuing its strategy and focus from 2012, i.e., investing in rapidly growing companies, both autonomously and through acquisitions. With offices in Amsterdam and Antwerp, Capital A manages approximately 700 million euros in assets under management and has a portfolio of over 30 growth companies, primarily active in Europe. Some investors in Capital A include ABN AMRO, Five Arrows, Alpinvest, Bregal, LGT, entrepreneurs from former portfolio companies, and the Capital A team itself.