Joining Econocom Spain in May as the new sales agent for the Products & Solutions division, Joaquín de Mier quickly made a name for himself. In just a few months, this seasoned entrepreneur and expert in the audiovisual industry seized the opportunities offered by Econocom’s agent model, thereby strengthening the group’s growth strategy in Spain.

From independence to an expanded network

Before joining Econocom, Joaquín had already proven himself in the telecommunications sector. With a well-developed network and experience as an independent professional, he saw the model proposed by Econocom as a gateway to new opportunities.

«What attracted me was the diversity of the offerings at Econocom. It allows me to target a much broader portfolio and address the varied needs of my clients. I immediately saw enormous potential in this partnership.»

By leveraging his relationships and integrating into Econocom’s ecosystem, Joaquín quickly capitalized on the solutions available to him. Just a few months after his arrival, he signed two major contracts that opened the door to new clients for Econocom, thus contributing to the company’s organic growth.

Flagship projects for the cities of Granada and Malaga

The first project signed by Joaquín involves display solutions for the metros of Granada and Malaga, a contract valued at €500,000 in revenue. This deal, which blends technology with public infrastructure, showcases Econocom’s ability to assert itself in high-potential sectors.

«This project was a perfect opportunity to demonstrate how Econocom can support cities in their digital transformation while delivering real added value to the user experience.»

Additionally, Joaquín acted as a business introducer for TMF, identifying an opportunity that led to the signing of a €3 million financing contract with a prominent client.

The impact of the «Mission Impossible» plan and the growth of sales teams

These results reflect the «Mission Impossible» program, a strategic initiative by Econocom aimed at driving growth, with the goal of significantly contributing to organic growth by 2028. Launched as part of the One Econocom plan, this program seeks to strengthen the company’s sales teams by enabling experienced professionals to become entrepreneurs alongside Econocom.

Since the start of the year, 26 agents have joined Econocom, demonstrating the group’s commitment to capitalizing on dynamic profiles and solid partnerships for growth. Joaquín de Mier, with his experience and ambition, perfectly embodies this strategy.

«Working with Econocom allows me to offer comprehensive solutions to my clients, combining technology, financing, and service. It’s a win-win model.»

To refer sales talent interested in joining the agent program, there’s only one address: https://mission-impossible.econocom.com

If you know passionate and experienced sales professionals who want to embark on an entrepreneurial adventure, this mission is for them. And for an exceptional mission, there’s an exceptional reward… Each successful referral could be rewarded with a bonus, going as far as a Tesla!

Portraits of agents

Welcome to «Mission Impossible», the podcast that takes you on a thrilling adventure with Econocom agents, where you’ll soon see that the word «impossible» isn’t part of our vocabulary. Forget about limits: everything’s possible!

Ready for another mission?

Today we’ll introduce you to agent n°3, Raphaël Adlerfligel. Raphaël, 53, lives in Brussels and has over thirty years’ experience as an Account Manager. After spending the first part of his career working for major IT integrators such as Bull and Atos, he joined the Econocom team in 2018 as an Account Manager before becoming an agent in 2021.

This episode is full of fascinating insights, such as what made Raphaël take the plunge and become an agent: the first-rate quality of services, Econocom’s solid reputation and most of all, its entrepreneurial spirit which is part of the group’s DNA. 

That’s why Raphaël decided to take over a colleague’s portfolio after he retired – a strategic decision that he’s never once regretted!

Click on the image to start listening to the podcast.

The High Performance Computing (HPC) market is booming, and Econocom has several advantages to support the growth of this strategic tech sector. HPC relies on clusters of powerful processors to handle enormous volumes of data and execute complex calculations at speeds that were unimaginable just a few years ago. This digital revolution is impacting numerous industrial and academic sectors, creating substantial opportunities for growth and innovation, particularly within the public administration market, which is increasingly open to collaboration with the private sector.

Among the sectors where HPC is transforming practices, banking and finance stand out, where fraud detection and high-frequency trading directly benefit from this technology. In retail, customer data analysis and supply chain optimization are also significantly enhanced. In healthcare, HPC accelerates genomics research and drug discovery, while in industry, it optimizes product design and production processes. Even the transportation sector and government bodies rely on this technology to manage complex systems, from weather forecasting to urban traffic management.

These applications are just a glimpse of HPC’s potential. The market was valued at $52 billion in 2023 and is expected to more than double, reaching $107.8 billion by 2028. With an annual growth rate of 16.6%, there are vast opportunities for companies that can provide solutions to meet this soaring demand.

And Econocom has a vital role to play…

“Play as One” with Airbus

A flagship project perfectly illustrates Econocom’s key role in this technological revolution. In partnership with Eviden (Atos) and through a joint venture created with TMF, Econocom recently leased two modular centers in France and Germany, equipped with Bull Sequana XH 3000 supercomputers—among the world’s most powerful systems—exclusively for Airbus.

These supercomputers, housed in modular data centers, allow Airbus to perform simulations and calculations at unprecedented speeds and scales, significantly accelerating its technological development and decision-making processes. This project, representing €42 million in revenue for Econocom, demonstrates its ability to help global organizations leverage cutting-edge technology. By combining its infrastructure supply, smart services, and leasing capabilities, Econocom can position itself as a strategic technology partner in the HPC field.

The success of this partnership with Airbus perfectly embodies the One Econocom philosophy, where teamwork and strategic alignment are at the heart of its approach. Faced with a major technological and budgetary challenge, Econocom was able to offer a customized, flexible, and innovative leasing solution, enabling Airbus to triple its computing power while adhering to its energy consumption goals, in line with its CSR policy.

This project, managed end-to-end by a dedicated team, is a model of Econocom’s “Play as One” strategy: seamless coordination between Eviden, the commercial, technical, and support teams enabled a successful international deployment in France and Germany. This success demonstrates Econocom’s ability to structure complex solutions, respond agilely to specific client needs, and compete effectively while ensuring transparency and efficiency. The Airbus project highlights the essence of One Econocom: one team, one vision, to better support our clients in their technological ambitions.

A technology geared towards the future

High Performance Computing is not just a technological advance; it is a radical transformation in how companies operate, innovate, and solve complex problems. For companies that need to process vast amounts of data rapidly, HPC has become an essential tool. And with partners like Econocom, capable of delivering tailor-made solutions, companies are better equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Through projects like the one carried out for Airbus, Econocom reaffirms its position as a key player in this technological revolution, demonstrating that innovation, performance, and customer satisfaction are at the core of its priorities.

Based on analyses from trusted sources such as Context, IDC, Gartner, and research from industry leaders like Microsoft and Qualcomm, the «Market Outlook H2-24» report by BDS Observatory offers a nuanced view of the current dynamics within the technology sector. While signs of market recovery are slow to materialize, the collected data points towards gradual stabilization, with a real rebound expected by 2025, driven primarily by the sector’s structural innovations.

An industry under pressure

The report highlights the challenges faced by some of the major competitors in the tech industry. Computacenter, a sector giant, reported an 11% decline in the first half of the year, while Bechtle saw a more moderate drop of 2%. These underperformances reveal that despite apparent market stability in 2023, companies are struggling to regain sustained growth. The mounting difficulties are compounded by an environment of uncertainty, which continues to stifle investments and hinder recovery plans for many players.

A recovery expected in 2025, but with conditions

While a recovery is anticipated for 2025, it remains dependent on several external factors. Financial market volatility, global geopolitical instability, and potential supply chain tensions continue to cast doubt on the forecast. Companies must therefore navigate these uncertain waters, adapting in real-time to circumstances often beyond their control. However, there are positive signals emerging, particularly regarding new technological trends.

Technological trends redefining the landscape

Several emerging technologies offer hope and are beginning to reshape the sector. Generative Artificial Intelligence(Gen AI) is positioning itself as one of the most promising trends. Tools like Copilot, Copilot+, and AI PC are being deployed in various forms across multiple industries, transforming internal business processes. These innovations allow organizations to optimize productivity and explore new ways of interacting with technology.

At the same time, infrastructure projects are gaining importance, especially with the rise of High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems. These increasingly common projects reflect a growing demand for more powerful data processing capabilities.

Other major technological trends are also evolving, such as the Windows 11 update, which brings long-awaited improvements for professional users, and the acceleration of ARM architecture adoption on Windows-based computers.

These structural changes demonstrate that despite macroeconomic uncertainties, the technology sector is continuing its transformation…

On 7 and 8 October, Econocom’s Data Protection community met in Puteaux for a two-day seminar on Privacy Excellence. In line with the One Econocom strategy, it aimed to consolidate collaboration within the community and facilitate the sharing of good data protection practices.

The event was opened by Group Chief Financial & Administrative Officer Eric Bazile, who broadly outlined the One Econocom strategy. His address reiterated the importance of alignment between the Group’s data protection initiatives and overall objectives. This introduction laid the foundations for a seminar focusing on skills development and team cohesion around GDPR compliance.

A succession of speeches then followed, providing valuable insight into various essential issues. Anne Lupfer, Yassine M’Barki and Frédérique Dargance in turn covered cybersecurity, digital globalization and the regulatory framework. All three emphasized the need for constant vigilance amidst an ever-changing legislative environment, whilst stressing the priorities that should guide everyday actions

One of the seminar’s high points was the account of Yann Malecot, Synertrade representative, and Miguel-Angel Munoz, representing Econocom Spain, who shared their concrete experiences of compliance in their respective entities. Their feedback illustrated the challenges facing Data Protection teams and highlighted approaches tailored to local specificities.

The seminar also benefitted from the expertise of external consultants. Selvina Marday from Deloitte presented the findings of its audit of Econocom’s Data Protection structure. Her recommendations made it possible to identify areas for improvement to boost organizational and operational efficiency in that area. Thomas Vini-Pires from the software company Data Legal Drive detailed the features of the GDPR compliance tool used within the Group, giving attendees the keys to ensure optimal compliance.

Two intense days enabled the participants to discuss, review and, more importantly, develop their practices. Thanks to interactive workshops and lively discussions, the Data Protection representatives were able to further their knowledge and increase their capacity to lead compliance within their entities. That shared commitment is an important step in the journey towards Privacy Excellence.

Finally, it was reiterated that every contribution is vital to the effort. The Group DPO regularly provides targeted training sessions on these topics, which are open to everyone. We urge you to sign up and share the opportunity with relevant colleagues: https://interview.eloquant.cloud/m4/itw/answer/s/mcNl5orALa/k/KxXQbos

The seminar’s success reflects a positive collective momentum and marks a new milestone in Econocom’s ambition to achieve excellence in data protection.

Well done to all participants for getting involved!

• Econocom, a pioneering group that supports the digital transformation of companies, has today announced its newly formed Executive Committee under the leadership of Angel Benguigui, Group CEO.
• This reorganization, part of the ‘One Econocom’ strategic plan, reflects the Group’s ambition to strengthen its European leadership and accelerate its transformation in to a digital innovation facilitator.

As announced after his appointment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Econocom on 24 July 2024, Angel Benguigui officialized today the group’s new Executive Committee, which features three new members: Quentin Bouchard as Managing Director Global Group Tech, Israel Garcia as Managing Director Business Development & Strategic plan and Country Manager UK, and Philippe Renauld as Managing Director Finance and M&A. Anne Bruchon, Group Communications Director, has been appointed Secretary of the Executive Committee.

The aim of this reshuffle is to ensure the group runs with optimal efficiency thanks to a leaner, more agile management team. Its members boast solid experience and complementary skillsets, with proven track records in entrepreneurship, in keeping with the group’s DNA. The aim of the Executive Committee is to increase Econocom’s flexibility in rapidly-changing markets by actively supporting the operational teams in stepping up their sales efforts, to strengthen the group’s European foothold and identity, and lastly to achieve the targets set as part of the ‘One Econocom’ strategic plan which was presented in November 2023. It will be assisted in these efforts by the country and business line managers on the General Management Committee, consisting of a total of fourteen people, including the members of the Executive Committee.

Angel Benguigui, CEO of the Econocom Group, said: “This strategic reorganization of our Executive Committee is a clear testament to our ambition to strengthen our European leadership and accelerate growth in our local markets. With a lean, experienced, diverse team to rely on, we’ll be ideally placed to successfully implement our ‘One Econocom’ strategic plan, rise to our current challenges and grasp future opportunities in a constantly-changing environment.”

Find out more in the press release (in the resources section of this page).

According to the IT Forecast study from Context, the anticipated economic rebound predicted for the second half of 2024 is gaining traction, as evidenced by a 2.1% increase in Q2 2024 revenues. This marks the first positive quarterly growth since Q1 2023.

However, experts are cautious about the outlook for the end of the year. Although the upturn is palpable, reaching the high end of annual growth forecasts, estimated at 3%, will depend on several factors, including a significant recovery in notebook sales (volume sector) and increased investment in technology infrastructures (value sector).

The distribution market is expected to grow by 1.8% in the third quarter of 2024. An acceleration of this growth is expected in the fourth quarter, boosted by the lowering of comparison bases, an increase in mobile hardware sales, and continued progress in software-related sectors.

For the third quarter of 2024, forecasts indicate that growth in the volume and value sectors should remain at similar levels. However, from the fourth quarter onwards, the situation will change: the value sector, driven by software and storage solutions, will overtake the volume sector.

From the first signs of the third quarter, the volume sector seems to be performing better than expected, thanks to a solid performance in July, driven by increases in consumables, printers, personal systems and telecommunications.

2024 forecast by sector and country 

After two years of decline, the personal systems segment is expected to play a leading role in IT market growth in 2024. However, other volume sectors, such as monitors and printers, are likely to find it difficult to maintain their revenues. Infrastructure results will remain negative until the fourth quarter, due to a slowdown in new orders and the depletion of backlogs accumulated in 2023. The software sector, on the other hand, should remain solid throughout the year.

Context anticipates overall IT market growth in 2024 of between 2.1% and -2.6%, with a mid-point of around 0.3%.

In 2023, all IT markets in the European region recorded negative results. However, forecasts for 2024 are more encouraging, with a gradual stabilization.

• Germany and the UK recovered well in Q2 2024 compared to -13% and -4% (respectively) in Q1 2024. In early 2024, the UK was struggling with low economic growth and deferral of projects. Activity took off in March, driven by huge government software infrastructure projects. It is looking up further, following the rise in consumer and business confidence, and performance has been strong in all areas.
• had a positive effect but we wait for the autumn to see if there is a recovery in confidence.
• had a challenging quarter, following strong Q2 2023 results. We see sales here returning to growth in Q4 2024.

 

For further details on the Context report, please contact our expert Antonio Garcia at antonio.garcia@econocom.com.

[Econocom Stories] Special edition European Sustainable Development Week!

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As part of the “European Sustainable Development Week 2024”, annual event bringing together European companies to discuss all aspects of CSR, Econocom Stories is bringing you a special edition of the newsletter to give you an update on the Group’s CSR commitments. Want to make a suggestion or propose a subject? Just one address: communication.groupe@econcom.com

Exclusive interview with Véronique di Benedetto CSR is an essential part of our One Econocom strategic plan. Underpinning group strategy, CSR guides our environmental, social and economic initiatives. “European Sustainable Development Week”, which runs until October 8, calls for a progress report on our commitments and the concrete actions taken by Econocom. Véronique di Benedetto joins us to review the key components. Click here to read the interview Survey on digital responsibility in Europe   Econocom has recently conducted a survey with PAC (Pierre Audoin Consultants) on digital responsibility in Europe. The results show growing awareness of digital infrastructures’ environmental impact amongst businesses. However, although the interest in digital sustainable practices is increasing, only 6% of the surveyed companies have launched a concrete action plan… More details on our Impact site. SBTi: Econocom strengthens its climate commitments   In late 2023, Econocom signed a letter of commitment confirming its emissions reduction targets, which were recently validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). By 2028, the group is targeting a 61.4% cut in our greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) compared to 2018, and renewable electricity supply at 92%. This is an essential initiative to limit global warming to less than 1.5°C. See our press release on the subject here. EcoVadis: a renewed gold medal and an improved score! Econocom has again been awarded the EcoVadis Gold Medal with 74 points out of 100, an increase of 4-point on last year. This performance confirms our ongoing commitment to social and environmental responsibility, with a goal to reach Platinum level by 2028. Congratulations to all the teams on their shared success! For more details, visit Onelink. Produrable Expo: 3 questions for Gaëlle Masson Launched in 2007, the Produrable Expo has grown into Europe’s largest event dedicated to sustainable development, held under the patronage of the French Ministry of Ecological Transition. Taking place annually in Paris, this year’s edition will be held on October 9 and 10. For 17 years, it has brought together a diverse range of stakeholders committed to reshaping sustainable economics. To read the full interview, visit Onelink. HP: on the road to sustainability with Econocom Our Impact website interviewed Matthieu Sabin, Head of Circular Economy Services for HP Europe. Listen to the full interview here. The IT sector’s carbon footprint is heavily driven by the production phase, now accounting for nearly 4% of the global carbon emissions. This figure is expected to rise as our reliance on IT products grows while their usage lifespan shortens.

This newsletter is sent to you by the Group’s Communications Department. Discover more informations on your intranet : https://onelink.econocom.com