“It’s important to embrace that we have shortages but at the same time offer a solution. An inspiring solution.”
What is an Internal Data Marketplace?
During a hackathon at Booking, a major issue surfaced: how can we make data easier to access for all our employees? Mahmoud introduced the internal data marketplace as a platform where employees within an organization can access and “shop” for data solutions, much like browsing an e-commerce site. Instead of products, users can search for and acquire datasets, complete with reviews and quality ratings. “It’s an internal booth for employees,” he explained, emphasizing that the goal is to make data easily accessible across departments.
“We needed to collaborate more in order to succeed. The marketplace is now called our internal delight.”
Easy Access and a User-Friendly Interface
This marketplace is designed to empower business teams, many of whom may not have deep technical expertise, allowing them to work with data without needing constant IT support. According to Mahmoud, this approach addresses a critical but often overlooked issue: enabling business teams to do more with data and empowering departments like marketing, finance, and operations to use data for decision-making. “The key here is that it’s understandable by business, not just IT,” he said.
A Keynote that Sparked Interest
At Mahmoud’s lecture, it was a full house. The audience was highly engaged, focused on the story Mahmoud was telling. Afterward, attendees asked questions about implementation, securing funding, and building similar platforms in their own companies. “How can I sell this idea to my leadership team?” one attendee asked, while another inquired about obtaining budget approval for such a project.
“The expo is one of the biggest highlights of the year in the Netherlands.”
Gathering at Data Expo
This was Mahmoud’s third time attending Data Expo and his first time taking the stage as a keynote speaker. Reflecting on the event, Mahmoud noted that Data Expo is one of the most important annual gatherings for data professionals in the Netherlands. “You can’t get this experience online—you have to come, meet people, and talk,” he said, highlighting the value of in-person networking and learning.
After his lecture, Mahmoud browsed around the expo. Besides mingling with technology providers, he was also there to meet up with the regular attendees. “There are people who come here every year. I meet them here, and we sort of become friends. It’s like a reunion.”
Start Empowering Everyone in Your Business
Mahmoud’s lecture at Data Expo provided a comprehensive guide to the internal data marketplace concept. As more organizations look to empower their business teams with easy access to data, internal marketplaces will likely play a key role in driving data-driven decision-making across industries.