In CIPHER, EXZ’s core contribution is centred around three well-defined areas of expertise. First, they are extending their proprietary EXN Middleware — a production-grade integration platform built on asynchronous messaging and Enterprise Integration Patterns — to serve as the communication and integration backbone of the CIPHER platform. Second, they are leading the design and implementation of the project’s User Interface and Portal, leveraging their UI/UX expertise to translate complex cybersecurity data into clear, actionable visualisations for end users. Third, drawing on their extensive experience in deploying and maintaining scalable production services, the team is taking on the orchestration of the software deployment architecture across CIPHER’s components.
In practical terms, EXZ leads the overall platform integration work package throughout the full duration of the project, driving both the technical architecture and the internal pilot demonstrators that will validate the CIPHER platform in real-world settings. This combination of a mature middleware product, hands-on deployment experience, and interface design capability makes us a focused and reliable technical partner — one that delivers concrete, production-ready components rather than research prototypes.
Meet the faces behind the project
- Fotis Paraskevopoulos is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), responsible for defining and leading the company’s overall technology vision and strategy. They oversee all technical operations, including software development, system architecture, infrastructure, and engineering processes, ensuring scalable, secure, and high-performance solutions across all products and platforms.
They guide and coordinate development teams by setting technical standards, selecting appropriate technologies, and enforcing best practices in software engineering, security, and system design. They also ensure alignment between technical execution and business objectives, supporting the delivery of complex digital solutions, including ERP and platform-based systems.
In addition, they collaborate closely with management and stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical strategy, drive innovation, and support long-term product and architecture decisions.
They actively pursue and implement European-funded (EU) projects, providing technical leadership for the design and delivery of digital solutions within structured, multi-stakeholder environments aligned with EU standards, compliance requirements, and innovation frameworks.
- Katerina Vasilaki is an Operations & Financial Controller responsible for overseeing financial management and operational coordination across the organization. They ensure accurate financial reporting, effective cost control, and alignment between operational processes and business objectives.
They manage budgeting and financial planning across projects and departments, monitor expenditures, and provide regular financial analysis to support strategic decision-making. They also collaborate closely with management and project teams to ensure efficient resource allocation and operational efficiency.
In addition, they are involved in financial oversight and administrative support for European-funded projects, ensuring proper documentation, compliance with EU financial regulations, and accurate reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
Their role also includes improving internal financial processes, supporting audits, and ensuring overall financial transparency and control across company operations and project activities
- Nikos Rekkas is a DevOps Engineer responsible for bridging software development and IT operations, ensuring the efficient, reliable, and scalable delivery of applications and infrastructure. They manage CI/CD pipelines, automate deployment processes, and maintain cloud and on-premise environments to support continuous and stable system operation.
They focus on infrastructure as code, system monitoring, performance optimization, and deployment automation, ensuring high availability and security across all services. They also collaborate closely with development teams to streamline releases and improve overall development workflows.
In addition, they are responsible for system reliability, incident response, and troubleshooting production issues, ensuring minimal downtime and fast recovery. They implement best practices in DevOps methodologies, including version control, containerization, and orchestration technologies.
Their work also includes participation in European-funded projects, supporting the deployment and maintenance of scalable digital infrastructures within structured, multi-stakeholder environments aligned with EU standards and requirements.
- Vasileia Ntaliani is a Web Developer specializing in building responsive and user-friendly web applications, with a strong focus on both front-end development and UI implementation. They design and develop interfaces that ensure a smooth, intuitive, and visually consistent user experience across different devices and platforms.
They work on implementing new features, improving existing functionality, and ensuring optimal performance, usability, and cross-browser compatibility of web systems. They collaborate closely with design and development teams to translate UI/UX concepts into functional and scalable digital solutions.
In addition, they are involved in debugging, testing, and maintaining web applications, ensuring high code quality, security, and stable system performance.
Their work also contributes to digital initiatives within European-funded projects, supporting the development of modern web and UI solutions in structured, multi-stakeholder environments aligned with EU standards and requirements.
“We connect the dots for a safer digital world”
About EXZ Connecting Dots (Existanze)
EXZ Connecting Dots (Existanze) is an ISO 27001-certified SME founded in 2005, specialising in bespoke software
development, systems integration, and technology architecture. With over 100 integrations currently in production and
50+ custom software projects delivered across sectors such as automotive, shipping, pharmaceuticals, and logistics,
we bring a proven track record of bridging the gap between research-oriented solutions and the practical demands of
the private sector.
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