Founded in June 2023, Ixead is a Microsoft Business Solutions Partner that has quickly established itself as a trusted name in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. But beyond its tech expertise, what defines Ixead is its mission: to empower business transformation, drive operational efficiency, and support sustainable growth.

The founding team was intentionally diverse, blending perspectives from both vendor and client sides of the industry. Ixead CEO Stephen Abela brought over 20 years of experience in the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem. The company’s COO contributed insights from years of client-side leadership across multiple industries. The lead ERP consultant carried a wealth of hands-on implementation experience, while the lead architect specialised in Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Microsoft Power Platform.

“Recently, we expanded our leadership team by welcoming a highly experienced ERP architect in a business development capacity, further enhancing our commitment to excellence,” Mr Abela adds.

For many technology companies, success lies in technical expertise. At Ixead, Mr Abela believes that’s only part of the equation.

“Our mission is to empower business transformation,” he says. “What differentiates us is not just our technical expertise but our holistic approach – combining ERP, CRM, e-commerce, and mobility solutions into one cohesive digital ecosystem.”

While ERP systems traditionally handle back-office operations and CRM platforms focus on client engagement, Ixead bridges the gap. By leveraging Microsoft’s Power Platform, they create seamless cross-functional workflows. This integration extends even further through curated applications from Microsoft AppSource, covering specialised needs such as mobile field services, warehouse management, and localisation.

Their approach is flexible, ranging from single-entity finance implementations to complex multi-company deployments. For large enterprises, Ixead helps consolidate financial and operational data, streamlining technology stacks. In retail, they deliver omnichannel solutions powered by LS Central – a fully integrated platform with e-commerce, loyalty programs, and Power BI dashboards.

Despite being a young company, Ixead has achieved impressive milestones. Within its first year, the firm was recognised by Microsoft as a Solutions Partner for Business Applications, a badge of trust that highlights client impact.

Even more striking was its trajectory with LS Retail. “We earned LS Retail Gold Partner status in our very first year and were elevated to Platinum Partner the following year, making us the first Malta-based company to achieve this distinction,” Mr Abela shares.

This recognition reflects Ixead’s growing influence across sectors: grocery, fashion, and electronics; restaurants in Romania; and duty-free outlets in North Africa.

For Mr Abela, the move to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions is a turning point for businesses.

“Today, all Microsoft Dynamics solutions are available as SaaS, and the advantages are numerous,” he explains. “SaaS eliminates the burden of maintaining on-premises infrastructure, provides continuous updates and security, and enables seamless integration with other cloud services. At Ixead, we are a ‘SaaS-first’ company.”

Part of Ixead’s role is guiding clients with legacy systems through the migration journey, assuring a smooth transition to scalable cloud technologies.

Behind the technology lies Ixead’s most important asset: its people.

“As a growing yet tightly knit team, we value collaboration and shared success. Everyone at Ixead is accessible and we operate as one cohesive unit.”

The company places strong emphasis on ongoing certifications from Microsoft and LS Retail, making sure that the team is always ahead of the curve. “Every project go-live is a collective achievement and we celebrate those milestones together,” he adds.

Without a doubt, artificial intelligence is reshaping the ERP and CRM landscape and Ixead is embracing the change.

“AI is transforming business software – from automating repetitive tasks to generating insights that drive better decision-making,” Mr Abela explains.

Within Microsoft Dynamics, AI tools like Copilot are enabling companies to forecast trends, optimise operations, and gain actionable insights. “AI isn’t just about efficiency; it’s becoming a strategic tool. Businesses that harness its potential can gain a competitive edge through smarter data usage and faster adaptation to market changes,” he says.

Ixead’s ambitions extend beyond Malta. The company has already delivered projects in Europe, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and North Africa. The next chapter includes deepening international presence and further expanding capabilities in CRM and AI.

“Technology is an enabler for growth,” Mr Abela concludes. “With Microsoft Dynamics, businesses can reach new customers, enter new markets, and optimise their operations. As AI continues to evolve, the possibilities are endless.”

What stands out in Ixead’s story is the company’s leadership philosophy grounded in trust, innovation, and people. Mr Abela’s vision is clear: technology may be the enabler, but integrity, teamwork, and a client-first mindset are what truly transform businesses.

In less than two years, Ixead has grown from a vision into a Platinum-certified partner with an international footprint. But for Mr Abela, the journey is just beginning.

“We’re focused on becoming a trusted partner for businesses seeking to evolve through technology. That’s our mission and it’s what drives us every day.”