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21 Years of People-Driven Stability: From a Small Room to a Trusted Tech Partner in Europe

Posted on by ilinca

21 Years of People-Driven Stability: From a Small Room to a Trusted Tech Partner in Europe

Twenty-one years ago, three friends shared a bold idea in a small apartment in Iași — to build software that makes businesses smarter and people’s work easier. That’s how Expert Network began: with passion, trust, and a deep belief that great teams can make technology truly valuable.

Fast forward to 2025: we’ve grown into a mature technology partner delivering over 140 successful projects across Europe, with long-term collaborations that stand the test of time. From start-up agility to structured excellence, our story has always been about people building stability through good stewardship and a genuine commitment to solving our clients’ needs.

Evolving Together with Our Partners

We’ve partnered with clients for more than two decades because we’ve grown with them — technically, strategically, and culturally.

  • Autodialog, a collaboration that started in 2010, evolved into a trusted name in the automotive industry. With our support, they’ve expanded their client base and revenue while improving security and scalability.

  • Contact Center 4All, started in 2020, is our most complex project to date — migrating from on-premise to Cloud, integrating AI, and ensuring zero downtime across three data centers in Europe, the US, and Australia. Together, we achieved stability, faster delivery, and up to 70% reduction in support efforts.

Each partnership tells the same story: long-term reliability powered by people who care.

People Who Build Long-Term Partnerships

What makes a collaboration last for over a decade?

“It’s a mix of well-trained people, continuity, and trust. We’ve always taken things seriously and given our best — that’s how trust grows.”

Radu, DevOps Manager in Expert Network for 17 years

At Expert Network, many colleagues have been part of the story for 10, 15, even 20 years. This continuity means more than loyalty — it’s how we ensure knowledge depth, product stability, and customer intimacy. When the same team stays on a project for years, they don’t just know the code — they understand the business.

This long-term mindset also defines the way we work with our clients. Our Team-as-a-Service model allows teams to grow alongside each project — creating consistency, stability, and a shared sense of ownership. And it’s proof that having projects that last a minimum of two years defines not just our delivery model, but our belief in long-term partnerships. This is real business value — the kind that endures.

From Agile Chaos to Structured Excellence

In the early days, we were dynamic, fast, and unstructured — deploying code daily and solving client issues on the spot. As projects grew in complexity, so did we. Today, we work with predictable Agile processes, integrated QA, design, and DevOps, and structured delivery models that balance speed, best practices, and quality.

We’ve evolved from “quick fixes” to “co-creating value.” Our teams now educate clients, align on business goals, and drive innovation in areas like Cloud, AI, and DevOps.

Powered by Passion and Reliability

Our success didn’t happen overnight — it was built day by day by experts who love what they do. As our Culture Book says, “Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success.” Every milestone, certification, or client win is rooted in collaboration, integrity, and a genuine passion for technology.

With 8 + years of Microsoft Gold certifications and a growing European footprint through our Wildstream partnership, Expert Network continues to prove that stability and innovation can coexist — when people are at the heart of it all.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 21 years of people-driven stability, we’re not just marking time — we’re honoring the people and partnerships that shaped who we are today.

To our clients, thank you for the trust.
To our colleagues, thank you for the passion.
To the future, we’re ready — with steady hands, curious minds, and a shared drive to build technology that lasts.

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Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: A Conversation with the Founder of Expert Network

Posted on by Ioana Faghian

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: A Conversation with the Founder of Expert Network

This year, Expert Network marks two decades of commitment to innovation, bringing value to clients, and continuous growth. To celebrate this milestone, we sat down with our founder, Vlad, who shared the inspiring journey behind Expert Network’s foundation and evolution. Here’s a glimpse into the story of how it all began and the values that continue to drive the company forward.

The Beginnings: How Expert Network Was Born

How did you start Expert Network? What were the early days like?

“It wasn’t about having a grand vision. It was about taking control of my journey—making decisions that aligned with my values and building something meaningful from scratch.” Vlad explains. There was a natural progression: a client trusted us because of the way we treated them and the results obtained. That trust wasn’t forced; it grew organically from our genuine attention to quality and detail. It was about making software work effectively, and that dedication was noticed.”

Vlad’s passion for computers began early. “In the ninth grade, before the year started, I had already browsed through the coursebook, knowing it all inside out, and I carried this passion and knowledge with me throughout my life. I was lucky to have had early exposure to what was then the latest trend,” he recalls. This passion naturally carried over to his time at the Faculty of Computer Science, where .NET 1.0 was just emerging, and the technology landscape was still largely uncharted. Vlad and his colleagues, part of a university lab sponsored by Microsoft, formed an informal club focused on exploring this new technology. “My passion, relentless effort, and constant curiosity were the driving forces behind everything I accomplished. By consistently solving complex problems and exceeding expectations, I established trust and credibility. It was a natural fit that led to the first projects.

Taking the Leap: The Turning Point

Afterward, the first significant challenge arrived. “About six months in, our only client at the time informed us that they no longer needed our services,” Vlad recounts. “We had three months’ notice, which we were able to quickly extend to six months part-time. It bought us enough time to explore other opportunities.”

Through a fortunate connection, Vlad reached out to Wildstream, a Belgian firm looking for a software partner. The partnership started with an important project, which gradually built into something substantial. “It wasn’t just about delivering projects; it was about aligning our values. Over time, the trust we developed turned into a lasting partnership that still thrives today.”

Adapting to Challenges and Growing Together

What challenges did you face after founding Expert Network, and how did you overcome them?

The global economic crisis of 2008 was another major hurdle. Yet, Expert Network’s lean operations, combined with solid partnerships, allowed the company to navigate this turbulent period successfully. 

”What mattered the most was fostering strong partnerships with our clients, staying close to their needs, and proving our reliability. Our commitment and competitive edge as a Romanian-based company helped us remain valuable to them,” Vlad explained.

The Evolution of Leadership

What qualities do you believe are essential for a leader?

“I’ve always focused on leading by example,” Vlad reflects. “I gained respect through technical expertise, always finding solutions and pushing for growth. But I admit soft skills were not my strong suit; this part wasn’t something I was naturally inclined toward.”

Over the years, however, Vlad learned that leadership is about more than just technical proficiency. “You need to be among your people, understand their needs, and recognize their contributions. It’s a blend of technical know-how and genuine empathy. That’s what creates a cohesive team and that’s what I strive for every day to do. I care about my colleagues and without them, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Organic growth

Were there any defining moments in the company’s evolution?

“There weren’t any dramatic turning points,” Vlad admits. “Everything happened organically. We grew by staying fully present and attentive, building on small successes one step at a time. Through our projects, expanding our expertise, and nurturing close relationships with our clients, we steadily and purposefully evolved. We didn’t try to force growth or pretend to be something we’re not. That authenticity is at the heart of who we are.”

Additionally, he mentions that by staying updated with the latest practices and prioritizing quality above all, he ensured the company kept pace with industry changes. “Staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry was critical. Whether it was adopting novel practices or immersing myself in continuous learning, these moments shaped the company’s trajectory.”

Lessons from a Global Perspective

Vlad’s formative years, spent abroad, influenced his perspective on things, contributing to his approach to business. “Living in different countries taught me to see things from various perspectives. One memorable experience was an English class in Casablanca, where the teacher used karaoke as a learning tool. It was an unexpected method that accelerated the learning process. It showed me that there are always alternative ways to approach problems.”

This openness to new ideas and ways of thinking have become a hallmark of Expert Network’s approach to software development and client relations.

Looking to the Future

As we celebrate 20 years, Vlad emphasizes that the journey has only just begun. “Our responsibility has grown significantly. With a larger team and more complex projects, there’s a deeper commitment to our colleagues and their well-being. It’s not just about business anymore; it’s about sustaining a community that thrives together.”

From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted partner for companies across Europe, Expert Network has always been driven by a passion for technology and a commitment to quality. Here’s to many more years of innovation, growth, and collaboration.

Happy 20th Anniversary, Expert Network! 🎉

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Inside the Heart of Customer Intimacy: A Story of Proactive Partnership

Posted on by Ioana Faghian

Inside the Heart of Customer Intimacy: A Story of Proactive Partnership

In today’s competitive and rapidly evolving business landscape, customer intimacy stands out as a key strategy for success. This approach goes beyond mere transactions, fostering long-lasting and proactive partnerships, and cultivating deep, meaningful bonds between business partners.

At Expert Network, this approach is crucial in building enduring partnerships. By nurturing strong relationships, we seamlessly coordinate teams, adhere to timelines, identify and address blockages to support our clients’ vision and advance their business.

This article explores how Expert Network’s commitment to customer intimacy elevates our client relationships, driving collaboration and satisfaction to new heights. We also share valuable insights from our Product Owners’ experiences. Let’s delve into the power of customer intimacy.

How we build strong partner connections

At Expert Network, staying close to our partners is more than a strategy; it’s part of our culture. In business, ensuring that distance doesn’t weaken our connection with global clients is crucial. Regular meetings form the backbone of our client engagement strategy, providing platforms for open communication, idea exchange, and alignment of objectives. Whether through virtual conferences or face-to-face interactions, we keep our clients informed every step of the way. This ensures efficiency and quick time-to-market, strengthening our alliance.

Beyond formal meetings, we recognize the importance of building personal connections. From scheduled roadmap discussions to impromptu catch-ups, every interaction is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of our partners’ needs, preferences, and aspirations. As Oana, one of our Product Owners, puts it, “Before any call, we prepare in advance and have specific topics ready. This way, we make sure they know we value their time and aren’t discovering things for the first time. It shows we’re on top of things and know what we’re doing.”

By investing in these relationships, we build trust and loyalty and gain invaluable insights that drive innovation and customization. This collaborative approach ensures we are not just service providers but true business partners.

The power of being proactive advisors

We pride ourselves on being proactive advisors to our international projects. Beyond providing services, we leverage our expertise and industry insights to offer strategic guidance and support. It’s how we’ve helped businesses achieve their objectives and navigate complex challenges. 

Wherever possible, we go the extra mile and offer reconfiguration options for our partners’ platforms, showcasing the long-term impact. Our clients can rest easy knowing their operations are well-structured, clearly presented, and follow a precise timeline.

Performance and professionalism are rooted within our organization. By investing in our internal processes, such as mentorship programs, cross-discipline meetings, and tech enablement meetings, we foster a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. 

Prioritizing the growth and development of our experts allows us to stay updated on the latest trends and explore innovative approaches in areas such as Generative AI, Machine Learning, and Large Language Models. This empowers our teams to deliver the right solutions and exceed client expectations while addressing their evolving needs. It’s crucial to maintain a broad perspective that includes both our partners’ success and our growth to deliver the best results.

Measuring project proficiency expectations

Central to our commitment to customer intimacy is our performance evaluation initiative. This process helps us obtain regular client feedback on measuring various aspects of our services—including technical proficiency, soft skills, and overall satisfaction. This way, we align together with the project’s proficiency expectations. 

This feedback loop helps us align with project performance standards, enhancing transparent communication and providing actionable insights to continuously elevate our services and deliver unparalleled value to our partners.

Consolidating our connection face-to-face

We understand the importance of inviting our international partners to experience firsthand the culture and expertise that define Expert Network. By hosting in-person visits and team interactions, we provide our partners with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in our environment, meet the faces behind the screens, and forge deeper connections with our team members. These visits strengthen bonds, foster collaboration, and showcase our commitment to transparency, trust, and mutual growth.

How we show we are true partners

Our Product Owners’ experiences provide concrete, real-world examples of how customer intimacy is sustained at Expert Network. Their insights translate theoretical concepts into actionable practices that guide our success. Here’s how:

  1. Offering Options: Even if we prefer one solution, our role as a team is to present the pros and cons and let the clients decide. They will be much more committed to the outcome, whether it’s good or not.
  2. Being Good Facilitators: We provide our partners with summaries of discussions, highlighting where their input is needed, making it easy and clear.
  3. Preparing in Advance: We show clients we value their time by having specific topics ready for discussion, demonstrating our preparedness and expertise.
  4. Highlighting Contributions: We recognize when clients contribute something specific, so we acknowledge their valuable intake. For example, “You are flexible, and this helps us in…, I appreciate your trust…” 
  5. Regular Check-ins: We constantly verify if the product is working for them if it meets their expectations, and how we could help more. It demonstrates that we care about the product, not just following our process.
  6. Decision-Making Capability: Stakeholders are very busy and rely on our expertise. Our input should be curated and not require them to make every decision.
  7. Active Listening and Proactivity: Crucial aspects of client relationships include active listening, proactivity, structure, proposing multiple solutions for evaluation, and making the optimal decision (business-wise, financially, or technically). And we follow these principles.
  8. Providing Alternatives: When certain solutions aren’t feasible, we present some compromise solutions. We understand their underlying needs and are able to provide alternatives.
  9. Being a Partner, Not a Blocker: We show the client that they have a partner who understands their situation and tries to help, even if not in the way they initially wanted. We do our best to have a proactive approach, not one that puts up obstacles.

Conclusion

Customer intimacy is not just a buzzword—it’s the cornerstone of our approach to our partnerships. By staying close, being proactive advisors, embracing feedback, and inviting our clients into our world, we create a shared journey of growth and success.

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