- Evolved from software provider to global NaaS leader.
- Combines automation, blockchain, and infrastructure for seamless connectivity.
DCConnect Global is redefining the way enterprises experience connectivity. In this exclusive interview, Knez Mardin, head of Global Marketing & Automation at DCConnect, shares how the company evolved from a pure software provider into a leader in Network-as-a-Service (NaaS), integrating automation, blockchain innovation, and robust physical infrastructure to deliver seamless, high-performance connectivity across Asia and beyond. From pioneering white-label solutions to championing digital transformation, DCConnect’s vision is clear—connectivity without limits.
Q1: Could you kindly introduce yourself and share a little about your current role at DCConnect Global?
A: My name is Knez Mardin, and I’m actually the head of Global Marketing & Automation in DCConnect. I’m taking care of the marketing department, as well as the automation. We have like two branches of the software which is in the R&D sid as well as like the Telefirst blockchain.
Not only that, I’m actually taking care of the sales global inside the DCConnect. In DCConnect, we have a variety of flex surfaces that we offer to our customers. In this case, I’m taking care of getting on the balance of the software like the connectivity in the telecommunication industries.
Q2: What do you think sets DCConnect apart from other players in the telecom space? And could you share something about the company culture at DCConnect that you appreciate?
A: I do want to share what makes us different from other telecommunication companies. When we first established DCConnect, we were a software company. We created SDN-based solutions—nowadays known as Network-as-a-Service, or NaaS—that connected data centres across Asia. As we evolved, we recognised the demand for connectivity not only on the software side but also in the traditional space. Our goal was to combine the best features of software with the highest quality traditional connectivity.
To achieve this, we began building our own network resources, including cabling and physical connections between data centres. Nine years ago, we focused solely on software, but now we implement full land cabling and expand connections across Southeast Asia and globally.
What sets us apart is our commitment to integrating the best features of connectivity into our software and delivering this value to customers. We aim to connect the entire Asia region with seamless, high-performance connectivity. This means combining traditional network performance with automation in our software platform. We continue to focus on building physical infrastructure, including more subsea cables, to link Asia with other regions. Our objective is to deliver the best connectivity possible—not only at Layer 2 and Layer 3, but also boosting performance at Layer 1—so we can provide the highest quality experience for our customers.
Q3: The service model of DCConnect is very unique. Could you briefly explain the value of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) in the daily operations of enterprises?
A: Network-as-a-Service is a platform that enables automation of data centre interconnections. It allows you to manage ports, set up instant dedicated internet, and more, all within one system.
Many well-known companies now offer their own NaaS platforms, but our uniqueness lies in serving both the buyer and seller sides.
Our platform supports white labelling, meaning a company without automation capabilities can adopt our platform under their own brand. They can sell their own resources within their ecosystem or join ours. With our own C-tag and S-tag systems, we collect information from API partners and deliver it to our customers or other white-label end customers. We can also provide orchestration for white-label partners who want to manage their own resources within their own ecosystem.
This year, after a redesign and re-framework, we will introduce blockchain capability into our platform. The new DC Gateway will integrate blockchain technology, transforming the platform from a centrally managed system into a decentralised one. This will bring a range of innovative blockchain features, making it one of the most unique NaaS platforms available.
Q4: If you had to describe DCConnect in three words, what would they be?
A: If I wanted to introduce DCConnect to others, it’s always about digital transformations. Telecommunications nowadays are a mix, and many people still use the traditional way of doing professioning, implementations, ordering, and quoting. At DCConnect, we always embrace digital transformation and automation—how we want to handle sales ordering automatically, how we want to generate quotations automatically, and how we want to carry out implementations automatically or in a hybrid way.
Even if it’s challenging, we strive to do our best to bring everything into the automation world. DCConnect is always about digital transformation.
