When you think back to 2006: What was the original vision behind Core-Backbone?
From the very beginning, the vision was to build a network with low latency, high availability, high capacity, and no packet loss. At that time, something like this didn’t really exist, at least not in Germany.

Was there a moment when you felt: “Now it’s getting serious”?
No, not really. But when the first well-known customers approached us, it did make you think about whether you could live up to the role. It took quite a while to truly realize that we actually could – and that we’ve been capable of it from the very beginning.

What was the biggest challenge in the early years?
Commuting between Lappersdorf and Nuremberg. It was a great time, I enjoyed driving, but nowadays it would be unthinkable and, ecologically speaking, a disaster.

Looking back, which milestone was the most important for the company’s development?
The personal contact with the founders of Hetzner Online, Martin Hetzner, and noris network, Ingo Kraupa. Both took me seriously from the start and immediately supported me in gaining a foothold in the market. They’re visionaries who have enriched the internet landscape. I’m very grateful for that. Today, we can contribute a small part to the success of Hetzner Online and noris network with our products.

Was there a moment that changed everything?
Perhaps one: the moment Core-Backbone switched from its original tax consultancy to the current one. The first firm helped sharpen my awareness of how crucial tax-related aspects are for a business. The current firm, which has successfully supported us for fifteen years, simply let me “do my thing” without holding me back.

What achievement are you particularly proud of, and why?
That we trained many of our colleagues ourselves. We’ve been a training company from day one. And of course, I’m especially proud of my colleagues at the management level:
– Ulrich Köhler, Head of Network and IT Operation – our backbone from the very beginning!
– Benjamin Weik, Head of Development – our in-house problem solver since 2008!
– Andreas Götz, Head of Sales and Marketing – a key part of the team since 2013!
– Jana Rippberger, Head of Finance and HR – our compassionate force since 2020!
Without them, and without our entire team, this success would not have been possible. I would also like to thank all colleagues who had to leave the company for professional or personal reasons.

What was the boldest decision of the last 20 years?
I wouldn’t call any decision bold, either it was goal-oriented or simply a small “rerouting”.

What defines Core-Backbone today at its core?
Internet, carriers, network, stability, low latency, great colleagues.

Which values have been non-negotiable from the start?
High availability, low latency, and satisfied customers.

In your view, what sets Core-Backbone apart from other carriers?
We simply deliver exactly the solutions our customers truly need. Reliably, quickly, and at a fair price with the highest quality. Our competitors just can’t do that consistently. There’s always something missing. And whenever something doesn’t run perfectly with us, we analyze it to see where we can improve. Making mistakes is human, but you should only make the same mistake once.

After 20 years, what does Core-Backbone mean to you personally?
In recent years, I’ve realized that Core-Backbone has developed into a hidden champion in the industry, which makes me very proud. I never expected that, nor did I expect it to become so successful. I’m also very proud of my colleagues, who give their best every day to improve global connectivity and drive digitalization forward.

How has the company shaped you as a person?
It has strengthened my analytical thinking, but also taught me that sometimes you need to let things rest and allow them to resolve themselves. Not everything can be solved through effort, sometimes time itself solves problems. As an ambitious and structured person, that was something I had to learn.

Were there moments of doubt, and how did you deal with them?
I can’t recall any moments of doubt, even if some decisions took longer. Doubt or anxiety simply aren’t part of my nature.

Where do you see Core-Backbone in ten years?
I see us as THE network that directly connects all European networks – efficient, stable, and with technological leadership.

What fundamental changes will occur in the carrier and networking world?
Despite current developments, the importance of stable and fast networks will continue to grow. Requirements are increasing, the world is becoming more data-intensive, and carriers will need to think even further ahead technologically than they do today.

And what will never change at Core-Backbone?
Our values. Our commitment to quality. And our drive to make the internet a little better every single day!