MongoDB SVP of Product- From Free Open-Source Database to a $20B Enterprise Data Platform | Andrew Davidson
E242 | #TheProductPodcast
"We want to be everywhere and that in a way it's the ultimate customer guarantee. The customer always has the choice to go use that and you have to really add so much value on top of it."
In this edition of #TheProductPodcast newsletter, we explore the world of modern databases with Andrew Davidson, Senior Vice President of Product at MongoDB. With 11 years of experience at the company, Andrew shares valuable insights on scaling a database company, nurturing developer ecosystems, and revolutionizing data infrastructure.
There are many incredible lessons to learn from Andrew Here are a few of the top ones:
Balancing Open Source and Enterprise Offerings
"Anything that is in fundamental developer infrastructure, it needs to be the kind of thing that can be free forever to use anywhere in the world because people just want the power to understand it."
Andrew emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open-core model while adding value through enterprise offerings. He explains how MongoDB's strategy of keeping core functionality open source ensures ubiquity and acts as a customer guarantee. This approach allows MongoDB to be everywhere while challenging the team to continuously add value on top of the open-source foundation.
Nurturing Developer Ecosystems
"Basically, all these open source developer oriented ecosystems, they pull us forward in a way that is complimentary to us in incredible ways."
Andrew discusses how MongoDB benefits from and contributes to the broader developer ecosystem. He highlights the importance of being easily pluggable into various development stacks and frameworks. This perspective underscores how staying attuned to ecosystem trends can drive product evolution and ensure relevance in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
Evolving from Open Source to SaaS
"We made this major shift in recognizing we have to go up a level of abstraction and build an as a service, fully living breathing true SaaS model for the database."
Andrew shares how MongoDB transitioned from a primarily open-source model to a SaaS-forward company with MongoDB Atlas. He explains the challenges of building a startup within the company and the importance of top-down alignment on strategic shifts. This evolution demonstrates MongoDB's ability to adapt to changing market needs and create new revenue streams.
Maintaining Customer Connection at Scale
"You have to keep sampling. You have to just do what you can to not allow yourself to be so far removed with so many blind spots."
Andrew discusses the importance of maintaining direct customer contact even as the company scales. He emphasizes the need for product managers to balance quantitative data with qualitative customer insights. Andrew's approach highlights how staying connected to users can drive product innovation and ensure the team remains focused on solving real customer problems.
Driving Digital Transformation
"Every company needs to solve at least some of their problems with software that's specific to the nature of their business."
Andrew explains MongoDB's role in enabling digital transformation for enterprise clients. He discusses how modern data infrastructure allows small teams to create impactful software experiences. Andrew's insights reveal how MongoDB positions itself as a key enabler for companies looking to modernize their technology stack and compete in the digital economy.
🔑 Key takeaways
- Balance open-source ubiquity with value-added enterprise offerings.
- Stay attuned to and contribute to broader developer ecosystems.
- Be willing to make major strategic shifts to adapt to market needs.
- Maintain direct customer contact even as the company scales.
- Position your product as an enabler of digital transformation.
- Foster a culture that celebrates learning and encourages open communication.
🎧 Check out the full episode here 🎧
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Credits:
Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
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Maintaining Customer Connection at Scale is what I find the most difficult, the bigger the company, the bigger the processes, the buffers between product and the customers, the better the legal burdain about customer's data. You need to be alert to continue to get this healthy customer contact.