From platform to AI powerhouse – Bechtle’s 30-year journey.
Bechtle is marking 30 years of its digital platform—a journey from pioneering online IT commerce to building today’s AI-driven ecosystem. Since 1995, the company has played a key role in shaping the digital IT landscape across Germany and Europe.
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A bold start as a pioneer in IT e-commerce.
Born from a university project with Audi, Bausparkasse Schwäbisch Hall and Würth, Bechtle was among the first IT resellers in Germany to launch an online platform. In October 1995, bechtle.de went live—simple at first, with 150 products. Two years later in 1997, the first full online order arrived, marking a real turning point:
“That order proved IT sales could work online—even for B2B,” recalls Martin Meyer, now Senior Digital Service Consultant. “Back then, we had no idea what the future held.”
Expansion and international growth.
From 1998 onwards, the platform evolved with personalised customer shops, tailored pricing, shopping baskets and user management.
By 2018, Bechtle had gone global and bechtle.com is now available in 14 European countries.
bechtle.com as a connected digital ecosystem.
What began as a simple product catalogue has grown into a comprehensive IT platform that brings together:
- IT products
- Solutions and services
- Cloud offerings
- Customer centre and login
- Project queries
- Multi-channel support
Powered by AI – Intelligent advice, automation and recommendations.
By bringing all data together, Bechtle has laid the foundation for AI-driven services. At the core is an integrated AI chat, available 24/7 to help with:
- Product advice
- Solution recommendations
- Request qualification
- Price ranges and reference projects
How it works in practice:
A customer needs a network solution. Instead of spending hours searching, they get a precise recommendation in seconds—plus the option to book a consultation right away.
AI isn’t just a buzzword:
- It accelerates processes
- It boosts user satisfaction
- It frees consultants to focus on complex projects
Behind the scenes, AI brings together language understanding, product data, availability and pricing logic—continuously learning and improving.
What does the future hold? Consumption-based, AI-powered IT procurement.
We’re building a transparent environment that uses AI to anticipate real needs and usage—delivering tailored offers and recommendations automatically.
In the future, the platform will show not only past purchases but also current needs and upcoming requirements for products, services and managed (cloud) services. With a personalised dashboard, customers gain a clear overview of their activities and consumption—helping them make informed decisions and develop their IT strategically.
Additional AI features will further enhance interaction and advice, supporting customers on their path to sustainable growth.
We’re creating a dynamic ecosystem that’s constantly evolving. Our processes are being continuously refined with one clear goal—delivering an outstanding buying experience and a seamless user journey.
Dirk Müller-Niessner, CTO of Bechtle AG, responsible for all platform projects across the Bechtle Group.
Bechtle remains at the forefront of online IT commerce in Europe.
Back in 1995, Bechtle set the standard for IT e-commerce.
Today, the platform is a central hub for information, advice and services and, with AI and data-driven solutions, it’s evolving into a truly future-ready digital ecosystem.