25 Years of DAASI International – and We’re Only Just Getting Started

With gratitude, a touch of wistfulness, and no small measure of pride, we look back on our anniversary year 2025 and its highlight: the grand celebration.

As we climbed the stairs to the Beletage of the Tübingen Museum Society on May 22 and stepped through the heavy doors into the historic hall, there was already something in the air—a blend of nostalgia and new beginnings. The warm lighting, the reunion with first familiar faces, and this tense, positive energy – all of this signalled: we were not only celebrating 25 years of company history, we were also opening a new chapter.

Expertise, exchange, and a special opening

Even before the first slides were projected onto the wall at the afternoon conference, the event already felt like a class reunion. There was cheerful conversation in the foyer, spontaneous sketches on notepads, and animated discussions around standing tables. What united all participants was curiosity and enthusiasm for a shared topic—an exchange among kindred spirits.

We were particularly delighted that Slavec Licehammer, Head of Engineering at our partner Evolveum, had traveled all the way from Slovakia to speak at our conference about the relationship between open source and academic research.

A very special moment for us was the opening address by Peter Ganten, Chairman of the OSB Alliance. His words went far beyond mere formalities; they were encouraging and personal. Ganten emphasised not only the importance of open technologies for digital sovereignty, but also the crucial role of collaboration. His message struck at the very heart of the event.

Further talks were given by Wolfgang Pempe, Head of the German National Research and Education Federation DFN AAI, on Shibboleth and the importance of open source for DFN-AAI; by David Hübner, Product Owner of DAASI’s software suite didmos, on the origins and development of the new version didmos2; and by Steffen Hofmann, IAM expert at Freie Universität Berlin and co-spokesperson of the DFN AAI Forum, on eduMFA, an open-source multifactor authentication solution primarily maintained by universities.

An evening among friends: honest, emotional – genuine

As evening fell, the technical presentations gave way to celebratory speeches. With the start of the formal festivities, guests crossed the parquet floor of the double hall—from the half with the stage and simple white walls into the half adorned with opulent marble columns and chandeliers overhead. In much the same way, the lively conference atmosphere transformed into a warm, personal evening among friends. Shared projects and experiences filled the small anecdotes exchanged over dinner, at the bar, or later while saying goodbye at the cloakroom.

Speeches by Professor Thomas Walter, Head of the University Computing Center—where the story of DAASI International began—by Thorsten Flink, Managing Director of the Tübingen Economic Development Agency, and by Ralf Gröper, Head of Security, Trust & Identity Services at the DFN Association (alongside the University of Tübingen, the company’s second envisioned “parent”), took us on a short journey through different phases of our company’s history. At times reflective, at times humorous, always appreciative and closely tied to DAASI’s field of expertise. Finally, Ms. Kreß from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Reutlingen presented DAASI International with a certificate of honor, recognising its exceptionally long existence—particularly remarkable for an IT company.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening came with the speech by our founder and managing director, Peter Gietz. He spoke of the early days, which sounded more like an adventure than a business plan, and of the people who have shaped DAASI International over the years. His words bridged past and present, filled with palpable emotion for what has grown over 25 years. When he thanked his wife Karin from the bottom of his heart as an indispensable partner, it brought tears to the eyes of many guests—above all, his team.

 

 

 

Grateful for yesterday, ready for tomorrow – a new chapter

With a meaningful step aside and an inviting gesture, Peter Gietz then asked his two authorised signatories, Markus Widmer and David Hübner, to join him on stage. Accompanied by words of gratitude and confidence, he passed on the proverbial baton—and with it, the future of DAASI International—to the now officially designated new managing mirectors, who will assume their roles no later than September 2026. There was a note of farewell in the air, but above all, it was a promise: the values that define us will endure.

The anniversary celebration continued with a festive dinner and a live performance by the Munich-based band Impala Ray, carrying on late into the night.

 

“The day was a very special one for me. It was a great joy to celebrate the success story of DAASI International with so many friends, supporters, partners, and customers. Only in a moment like this does one truly realise that the hard work of the past 25 years was a worthwhile investment—and that a strong company now exists, growing slowly but steadily. A company dedicated to strengthening digital sovereignty in our society, and one that can be seen as a successful proof of concept for an open-source-based business model that does not strive for profit maximisation.” Statement by Peter Gietz

 

We would like to thank everyone who has made our journey to this point possible—and those who joined us in celebrating in Tübingen. We are deeply grateful for the many like-minded people who want to continue this journey with us, working together to advance digital sovereignty in Germany and across Europe.

In this spirit: here’s to the next 25 years—and all the moments in between!