What are your thoughts on the role of AI in everyday business operations?

Gerhard: “AI is no longer just a topic for the future; it is already having a significant impact on our daily work. It boosts our efficiency, opens up new business opportunities, and helps us implement innovative solutions more quickly. At the same time, the adoption of AI raises ethical questions and entails a responsibility to provide ongoing training for our employees. For me, therefore, striking a balance between technological progress and humanity is the key to success.”

How exactly is ASTRUM IT shaping the digital transformation?

Gerhard: „We believe in closely integrating technology with corporate culture. Only when employees feel trusted and have the freedom to act can they reach their full potential and drive innovation. In this context, digital leadership skills are particularly important to me. In today’s world, it is essential that leaders not only understand technological developments but also possess the ability to digitally lead and motivate their teams and actively guide them through change. For me, being a digital leader means acting with empathy and adaptability, recognizing individual needs in an increasingly hybrid and technology-driven work environment, and fostering communication and collaboration. I see this competency as one of the most important prerequisites for the success of digitalization and transformation and for providing employees with the best possible support.”

What does it mean to be a leader today?

Gerhard: “For me, leadership today means acting as a bridge-builder—between technology and people, between strategy and implementation. We live in a world that is constantly changing. This makes it all the more important for us as leaders to inspire others, boldly break new ground, and at the same time create an environment where mistakes can be made and lessons learned from them.”

In addition to technological challenges, Gerhard also sees the social responsibility of IT companies taking center stage: “Sustainability, diversity, and respectful collaboration are now integral parts of how we operate.”

What personally motivates you in your role as CEO of ASTRUM IT?

Gerhard: “I am a small business owner through and through. Small businesses have a special strength—you can see that every day here. What motivates me most is that, by working together, we create tangible value for both our customers and our employees. For me, it’s not just about today, but about sustainable growth and a culture where innovation and humanity go hand in hand.”

Question: How are you tackling the current challenges of digital transformation?

Gerhard: “Digital vitality is a key priority for us. It’s not just about technical innovation, but about the ability to continually reinvent ourselves and respond to change with agility. The combination of experience and fresh thinking is crucial in this regard. We create a space where creative ideas can flourish and foster a corporate culture that encourages experimentation and facilitates the exchange of knowledge. This ensures that we don’t just keep up—we lead the way with our solutions.”

Question: How important is a strong corporate culture to you?

Gerhard: “Corporate culture isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation of sustainable success. Openness, appreciation, and trust are the pillars of our culture. At ASTRUM IT, we prioritize transparent communication and a strong sense of community where every employee can thrive and contribute their ideas. For us, diversity and mutual respect aren’t just buzzwords—they’re values we live by every day.”

Question: How do you see the role of AI in day-to-day operations at ASTRUM IT, particularly with regard to our research projects?

Gerhard: “AI is no longer an experiment, but an integral part of our daily lives and our strategic direction. Our current research projects are intensively focused on the responsible use of artificial intelligence. In doing so, we develop solutions that not only automate and optimize processes, but also enhance human capabilities and enable innovation—from intelligent assistance systems to data-driven decision-making processes. We place particular importance on translating research into practical applications so that our employees and customers can benefit from the latest findings. This also includes promoting continuing education so that everyone can actively shape technological change.”

Is there anything else you’d like to add by way of summary?

Gerhard: “For me, digital transformation isn’t a one-time project, but an ongoing mindset: digital vitality. It’s about constantly rethinking things with curiosity and courage, using the right technologies responsibly, and above all, empowering people to succeed together. At ASTRUM IT, we combine technological innovation with a culture that fosters trust, respect, and development. In this way, we aim not only to be successful today, but also to shape the IT solutions of tomorrow and bring our employees along with us on this journey.”

Thank you for the interview, Gerhard!

Mathias, the shortage of skilled workers has been an issue for many years. How is ASTRUM IT addressing this?

Mathias:“We take this seriously, but we won’t let it paralyze us. Our approach is to remain visible, honest, and committed. Especially in a tight job market, how you present yourself as an employer is crucial. We focus on an applicant management process that is transparent, fast, and human. No ‘hire and fire,’ no endless processes, but rather a clear dialogue on equal terms. This is the only way to achieve sustainable recruiting, which is reflected in our very low turnover rate compared to the industry average.”

What sets your recruiting process apart from that of other companies?

Mathias: “Many applicants tell us that they hear nothing from other companies for weeks or receive no feedback at all. That’s a no-go for us. Whenever possible, we respond promptly, are approachable, and provide honest feedback. Our reviews on kununu reflect this. Our communication and the appreciation shown throughout the process are particularly praised.”

How important is the issue of cultural fit in this context?

Mathias:“Extremely important. Professional qualifications are one thing, but whether someone is truly a good fit for us is often decided on a different level. We’re looking for people who share our values, enjoy working together, and want to grow professionally. For us, that’s more sustainable than any short-term hire.”

What lessons have you learned over the past few years?

Mathias: “A few things have proven particularly effective for us:

Clear messaging: Who we are and what we stand for must be evident at first glance, whether on the website, in job postings, or during interviews.
Speed matters: Quick feedback and short decision-making processes make a huge difference.
People-first approach: We don’t view applicants as “resources,” but as individuals with potential.
Feedback culture: Even when things don’t work out. We give honest, constructive feedback. That’s appreciated.”

And your personal takeaway?

Mathias: “Recruiting isn’t a sprint, but a dialogue. Those who listen, communicate honestly, and demonstrate integrity will find the right people even in times of a skills shortage. We’ve seen this firsthand, and we’re staying the course.”

Thank you very much for the interview, Mathias!

Cloud migrations are a major step for many companies. How does ASTRUM IT support its customers in this process?

Daniel: At ASTRUM IT, we place great emphasis on providing personalized and comprehensive support. We begin with a thorough analysis of the existing IT infrastructure and the client’s objectives. Our experience shows that clearly defining objectives and involving all stakeholders are crucial to ensuring a successful migration.

What challenges do you frequently encounter in this process?

Daniel: A common problem is the temptation to complete the migration as quickly as possible, often using a so-called “lift-and-shift” approach. This may work in the short term, but many of the cloud’s benefits remain untapped. We therefore recommend combining the migration with optimizations—that is, adapting processes and applications to increase scalability and efficiency. Security is also a key consideration—data protection and compliance must be integrated from the very beginning.

Can you give us some specific examples from client projects?

Daniel: Absolutely. One of our clients, FAS Lease AG, had previously had several unsuccessful attempts with other providers. Within just four weeks, we were able to implement a customized cloud solution that was precisely tailored to their requirements. The rapid implementation and our dedicated support were particularly praised. Another example is GenialData GmbH, which migrated all of its services to our hosting platform. The collaboration is characterized by reliability and a solution-oriented approach—allowing them to focus fully on their core business.

In your view, what are the most important lessons learned from these projects?

Daniel: First: Planning is everything. It won’t work without clear goals and a comprehensive assessment of the current situation. Second: The technology must be right—automation, test environments, and security concepts are indispensable. Third: After the migration is before the migration—monitoring and continuous optimization ensure long-term success. And last but not least: The people in the company must be brought on board and trained so that the cloud solution is truly put into practice.

What role does ASTRUM IT play after the migration?

Daniel:We see ourselves as a long-term partner. In addition to technical assistance, we provide support, regular updates, and help with the ongoing development of your IT strategy. This ensures that our customers benefit from their cloud investment not only today, but also tomorrow and the day after.

Finally: What advice do you have for companies planning a cloud migration?

Daniel: Take the time to plan carefully and choose an experienced partner who understands your specific needs. Opt for a strategy that not only works in the short term but also creates long-term value. And don’t forget: security and compliance aren’t just annoying extra tasks—they’re essential components of every cloud migration.

Thank you very much, Daniel, for the insights!

If you have any questions or need assistance with cloud migration, please feel free to contact our experts!

Hi Werner, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us. Can you give us an overview of ASTRUM IT’s Innovation Hub and how it’s shaping the future of technology?

Werner: My pleasure! At ASTRUM IT’s Innovation Hub, we work on cutting-edge technologies. We generate ideas, develop concepts, and then implement them. As part of an interdisciplinary team, we conduct research on projects that not only improve today’s technology but also shape the future. Our focus today—just as it has been in the past—is clearly on artificial intelligence.

What projects are currently the focus of the Innovation Hub?

Werner: We have several exciting projects in the works. DeltaPro focuses on process optimization through real-time analysis in broadband networks. SPARC-Monitor is an AI demonstrator for patient monitoring in neurointensive care units. FORSocialRobots develops social robots designed to enhance human interaction. Another outstanding project is SUSTAINET inNOvAte, which aims to improve the reliability of high-speed optical transceivers. Through the use of machine learning (ML), potential failures can be predicted, enabling proactive maintenance and minimizing downtime. And finally, we have LLM-SE, which increases the efficiency of model-based systems engineering through the use of large language models.

Could you tell us more about the LLM-SE project? How will it shape the future of systems engineering?

Werner: LLM-SE aims to improve the efficiency and practical applicability of model-based systems engineering through the use of large language models. This enables complex engineering models to be developed in a standardized manner and automated using generative AI. Bavarian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the custom machinery sector will benefit particularly from this, as it will enable them to successfully transition from document-driven to end-to-end digital MBSE.

How do you see ASTRUM IT’s role in the future of technological development?

Werner: ASTRUM IT is not just a software company, but also an innovation partner. Through our research projects and our expertise in digital transformation, we are laying the groundwork for future technologies. We see ourselves as close partners to companies that want to strengthen their digital vitality and tap into new business areas.

What is your message to companies interested in partnering with ASTRUM IT?

Werner:

We invite all companies to join us in shaping the future of technology. Whether by participating in our research projects or leveraging our expertise in digital transformation—we’re here to support your business goals and foster digital vitality.

Thank you for speaking with us, Werner!

For more information about the Innovation Hub, please visit our Website.