Modernizing B2B Portals at VodafoneZiggo

In today's digital landscape, telecommunications giants face a unique challenge: how to modernize their legacy systems while maintaining seamless service for their customers. At VodafoneZiggo, one of the Netherlands' leading telecom providers, this challenge became an opportunity for innovation with the help of Passionate People's senior consultant Rick Borst.

The Evolution of a Modern Developer

Rick's journey into the world of modern web development spans over 13 years, beginning with Smart TV applications where he faced the challenges of working with various browsers and APIs. His experience with early JavaScript versions and the evolution to TypeScript mirrors the industry's own transformation toward more robust development practices.

"I wouldn't be able to think of a world without TypeScript anymore," Rick reflects, highlighting how the technology landscape has matured during his career. His progression from PHP and MySQL to becoming a TypeScript expert showcases the importance of continuous learning in the fast-paced world of software development.

Tackling VodafoneZiggo's B2B Challenge

VodafoneZiggo faced a significant business challenge: they needed to expand their services to small and medium-sized businesses (MKB) but were constrained by their existing systems. Their current platform primarily served either individual consumers or large enterprises, leaving a crucial market segment underserved.

The solution? A comprehensive B2B portal that would allow smaller businesses to manage their telecom services effectively. However, the implementation wasn't straightforward due to the complex legacy environment.

Innovation Within Constraints

Rick and his team are working on an intricate solution that brings modern web development practices to a legacy environment. Think of it as renovating a historic building while keeping it open for business – you need to preserve the structure while modernizing the facilities.

The team is creating a new dashboard that seamlessly integrates with existing systems. They're using a modern approach called "Backend for Frontend" (BFF), which acts like a smart translator between various business systems and the user interface. This ensures that business customers get a smooth, unified experience despite the complexity behind the scenes.

Early Success Signs

While the project is still in its early stages, Rick's impact was felt immediately. Within just a few weeks of joining, he and his team were already submitting code for review and making significant progress. This quick start was particularly impressive given the project's complexity, which requires managing multiple systems simultaneously.

"We're being awarded very quickly," Rick notes, referring to the positive reception of their work. This early success is especially meaningful given the project's challenging technical environment and the previous struggles with other consultants.

A Different Approach to Problem Solving

What sets Rick apart isn't just his technical expertise – it's his approach to problem-solving. He views his role not simply as a programmer but as a bridge between business needs and technical solutions. "Our work is not necessarily programming," he explains. "We are dealing with people who often want something and don't know what the technical possibilities are."

This philosophy emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with stakeholders and understanding business needs before diving into technical solutions. It's an approach that has proven particularly valuable in complex enterprise environments like VodafoneZiggo.

Looking Forward

The project at VodafoneZiggo represents a broader trend in enterprise digital transformation – the need to modernize legacy systems while maintaining business continuity. As more organizations face similar challenges, the expertise of consultants like Rick becomes increasingly valuable.

Are you facing similar challenges in your organization? Whether you're dealing with legacy system modernization, building new digital platforms, or need expertise in modern web development, Passionate People's consultants can help bridge the gap between your business needs and technical solutions. Contact us to learn how we can help transform your digital presence while respecting your existing infrastructure.