From concept to launch in 90 days: how VodafoneZiggo brought the SD-WAN platform Vodafone Flex to market

VodafoneZiggo is one of the largest telecommunications providers in the Netherlands, serving more than 3.4 million fixed-line households and 5.6 million mobile customers. To respond quickly and flexibly to the evolving needs of business customers, VodafoneZiggo engaged NetRom Software as a development partner. Together, they developed Vodafone Flex, an SD-WAN platform that enables customers to manage their own network in a simple and self-service manner. The result: from initial concept to full production launch in just 90 days, enabled by Agile development practices, strict quality assurance, and domain knowledge built through years of collaboration.

In the telecommunications sector—where the time-to-market for new software products can extend to three years—VodafoneZiggo adopted a different approach. By working with NetRom, which has been involved in VodafoneZiggo’s software development for over a decade, the company is able to launch new services in a fraction of that time. This provides 

With Vodafone Flex, VodafoneZiggo aimed to introduce a differentiated solution for mid-sized and large enterprises in the Netherlands: a secure, scalable, and flexible SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) that enables centralized and software-driven management of corporate networks, combined with an online self-service platform.

The primary objective was clear: to optimize the user experience for customers who want to configure and manage their networks independently. The entire process—from input and provisioning to delivery and billing—needed to be integrated into a single zero-touch provisioning workflow (an automated process requiring minimal manual intervention), within an ambitious time-to-market and in compliance with the highest quality and security standards.

In addition, the platform had to be scalable and fully compatible with existing enterprise network environments. Joao Borges stated: “Due to the complexity and level of integration of Vodafone Flex, we determined that having NetRom handle the software development was the most appropriate choice for us.”

Solution: Collaborating with a development partner focused on quality 

With a dedicated Quality Assurance (QA) function, a strong emphasis on testing, structured version control, and security principles aligned with ISO 27001 (an international standard for information security management), NetRom consistently ensures the quality and security of the platform. The Scrum methodology enables continuous and rapid delivery of new features—an essential capability for VodafoneZiggo to remain competitive.

NetRom’s role extends beyond execution. Leveraging its broad domain expertise, NetRom actively contributes to the co-creation of technological solutions within Vodafone Flex. This approach moves the relationship beyond a traditional vendor model to a close partnership focused on shared outcomes.

The collaboration with NetRom began in 2012. The development team consists of 17 full-time equivalents (FTE): 11 developers and 6 QA specialists. This continuity has led to deep knowledge of both the product and the organization, supporting an efficient and reliable way of working.

Using Agile development methods, VodafoneZiggo has reduced the time from concept to production to 90 days, whereas in the telecommunications sector this process often takes several years. The number of services within the integrated Vodafone Flex portal continues to grow, enabling VodafoneZiggo to respond effectively to evolving customer needs, with a strong focus on usability and quality.

Vodafone Flex provides business customers with a stable and scalable network connection, which can be managed easily through an online self-service portal offering real-time insights into their network environment. The platform gives customers full control and allows integration with any corporate network, even outside the Vodafone network.

When opening a new location, customers can immediately use network applications, alarm systems, and payment terminals without requiring on-site technical intervention.