Mark de Jong
Chairman
Mark shares insights about his role as the chairman of the CDN Alliance, what his motivation was to start the CDN Alliance, the highlights he already experienced, how he sees the future of the CDN Alliance and what he does in his spare time.
1. What is your role at the CDN Alliance?
My official role is Chairman of the CDN Alliance. In practice, this entails being the primary representative of the CDN Alliance to the media, attending events, and engaging with individuals who wish to communicate with the CDN Alliance.
2. What is your motivation to set up an organization like the CDN Alliance?
I have been involved in the CDN industry for a considerable period of time and have consistently perceived its significance to be undervalued. Observing the evolving trends and emerging challenges within the industry, combined with my Dutch heritage where collaboration is in our blood, I strongly believed we needed to set this up to be able to move the CDN space to the next level.
3. What is your background and experience in the CDN space?
I have a background in the field of video streaming and started working with all the streaming servers such as Windows Media, Real Networks and eventually into Flashvideo with the Flash Communication Server, Flash Media Server, Wowza Media Server and Red5. As video streaming moved to HTTP and was embraced by CDNs, it was a logical progression for me to focus on the CDN space. Throughout my career, I have worked for several companies (re)selling CDN-services, CDN-software as well as consulting, training and educating on CDNs in relation to delivery, media and security.
4. What is the most beautiful highlight you reached with the CDN Alliance?
We organized our first CDN Alliance Connect event at IBC in 2022, and it exceeded our expectations. Building upon that success, we are currently organizing another event for 2023. But I’m also very proud that we have been able to be actively involved in the “Fair Share Debate” with the European Commission, where we have the opportunity to make a difference and advocate for the interests of the CDN industry.
5. How do you envision the future of the CDN Alliance?
It’s hard to summarize in a few words, but I believe the CDN Alliance exists and should exist as long as it brings value. This value should extend to the CDN industry, the CDN community, the CDN market, and the overall CDN ecosystem, as well as the members of the CDN Alliance, given that it operates as a membership-based organization. Looking forward, I would like to see that the CDN Alliance adds value at scale, creating tangible differences in the CDN space, the Internet, society, and humanity as a whole.
‘Without CDNs we would not have the Internet we enjoy today and without the CDNs we will not have the Internet we need tomorrow’
6. How do you spend your spare time?
Most of my spare time goes back to the CDN Alliance. But if not, I like to listen to house music, spend time with family and friends, travel, watch documentaries and crime series and play card games.