German Companies Developed a Joint E-Commerce Ecosystem: German Digital Commerce Operation Model
Three Germany-based software companies jointly brought to life a new e-commerce solution in which all data and digital processes remain in Europe.
Three Germany-based software companies jointly brought to life a new e-commerce solution in which all data and digital processes remain in Europe. Developed through the collaboration of cloud provider STACKIT, e-commerce platform specialist Empiriecom, and IT services company Adesso, this structure called the “German Digital Commerce Operation Model” aimed to offer online sellers an end-to-end alternative and to ensure data sovereignty in accordance with European Union legislation.
The new solution called the “German Digital Commerce Operation Model” envisaged that all customer data, transactions, and operational processes would be kept in Germany. The system was designed in compliance with the requirements of the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Developed as a Response to Regulatory and Geopolitical Pressures
The companies stated that the German Digital Commerce Operation Model project was shaped in the face of stricter data protection regulations and increasing geopolitical uncertainties. Many online retailers in Europe began to reassess their dependence on international cloud and software providers, particularly those located outside the European Union.
According to the partners, retailers are demanding greater control over where their data is stored and how it is processed. The German Digital Commerce Operation Model aimed to respond to this need by ensuring that data does not leave Europe and that all processes are carried out within the framework of EU law.
Empiriecom Managing Director Ralf Männlein stated that the collaboration offered a reliable alternative to global hyperscale cloud providers and software companies. Männlein emphasized that the solution meets the growing demand for data security, performance, and legal compliance in digital commerce.
Integrated Software Structure Hosted in Europe
The German Digital Commerce Operation Model ecosystem brought together the core areas of expertise of the three companies. STACKIT ensured that all applications and data are hosted in data centers in Germany and Austria. Thanks to the company’s “zero-access” security model, full control over the data remained with the customer, while the provider had no access to the data.
Adesso, with its implementation experience in e-commerce projects, was responsible for adapting the solution to the business models of retailers in different sectors. The company undertook the implementation of the technology in alignment with operational and commercial needs.
The e-commerce platform itself was provided by Empiriecom. The company stated that the software was designed to support different business models, sales channels, and markets. The platform enables multi-store and omnichannel structures to be managed under a single technological framework. According to Empiriecom, the platform is also used by companies with annual revenues exceeding 400 million euros.
European Online Retailers Are Targeted with the German Digital Commerce Operation Model
The partners positioned the German Digital Commerce Operation Model primarily for medium-sized and large online retailers operating in Europe. The model, which offers infrastructure, platform, and implementation services within a single integrated structure, aimed to strengthen compliance with European data protection standards while reducing operational complexity for retailers.
The launch was evaluated as part of a broader trend among European technology companies and retailers toward reducing dependence on providers outside Europe. Although the companies did not initially share details regarding pricing or customer acquisition, they stated that the model is ready for immediate use.
At a time when data sovereignty is increasingly becoming a more strategic issue for e-commerce companies, this collaboration stood out as an important step toward strengthening Europe-based digital commerce infrastructure.
About STACKIT
STACKIT is the cloud provider of Schwarz Group. External partners and customers in Europe can also rely on the cloud services that Schwarz Group companies have been benefiting from for years for their digital transformation. On the way to becoming the first European hyperscaler, STACKIT offers digital sovereignty that goes far beyond the market standard and individual approaches to the implementation and operation of cloud solutions. STACKIT currently operates four data centers – one of which is in Austria – and is building a fifth in Lübbenau. Based in Neckarsulm, Germany, the team is paving the way for an independent Europe – digital, leading. As part of Schwarz Digits, STACKIT GmbH & Co. KG is part of the IT and digital division of Schwarz Group.
About empiriecom
empiriecom, better e-commerce, develops and operates one of the largest e-commerce platforms in europe. With over 100 e-commerce experts in agile teams, empiriecom implements technologically sophisticated and innovative solutions and has comprehensive service expertise. empiriecom is part of the BAUR-Gruppe and a member of the Otto Group – a global retail and service group with around 41,000 employees and a revenue of 16.2 billion euros in the 2022/2023 financial year. The BAUR Group’s B2B service providers also include BAUR Studios for photography and videography, and BAUR Retail Media for onsite and offsite promotion.
About adesso
adesso is one of the leading IT service providers in the German-speaking area and focuses its consulting and software development activities on the core business processes of companies and public authorities. adesso’s strategy is based on three pillars: the comprehensive industry-specific know-how of its staff, extensive expertise in technology that is independent of manufacturers and the application of reliable methods in software implementation projects. adesso delivers the right IT solutions to increase the ability of companies and organisations to compete in the core sectors of insurance/reinsurance, banking and financial services, healthcare and life sciences, energy supply, public administration, automotive and manufacturing industry, trade, transport, media, entertainment, lottery and sports.
adesso was founded in Dortmund in 1997 and currently employs more than 11,100 people in the adesso Group (converted to full-time equivalents/FTE), which corresponds to more than 11,800 employees in terms of headcount. adesso’s shares are listed on the Prime Standard/SDAX. Customers in Germany include Commerzbank, BayernLB, Munich Re, Provinzial, Bitmarck, amedes, RWE, E.ON, Mercedes-Benz, thyssenkrupp, Bosch, Otto, Markant, Borussia Dortmund, the Deutsche Fußball Liga, the Westdeutsche Lotterie, the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Procurement Office of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Ministry of Finance. In addition, there are numerous international customers, including Swisscom, AXA Switzerland, Alpitour, the Austrian Football Bundesliga and Swiss Federal Railways.