Summary:
CDNToolkit is a comprehensive CDN performance monitoring platform that serves as a powerful alternative to CDNPerf.com. The project involved creating both a public-facing website and a sophisticated three-tier dashboard system that enables real-time monitoring, provider management, and detailed performance analytics across global CDN networks. As Product Manager, I led the entire product strategy, designed all dashboard wireframes, created website content, and coordinated a 4-person cross-functional team to deliver this technical solution in just 2 months.
The Challenge:
Content delivery networks are the backbone of modern web infrastructure, yet finding reliable, real-time performance data across multiple CDN providers was fragmented and expensive. Businesses needed a centralized platform to compare CDN performance metrics, monitor global node health, and make data-driven decisions about their infrastructure investments. The existing market leader had limitations, and we saw an opportunity to build something better—more transparent, more comprehensive, and more accessible.
My Role & Approach:
As Product Manager, I owned the entire product lifecycle from concept to launch. My responsibilities included:
- Product Strategy: Defined the product vision, feature roadmap, and competitive positioning against CDNPerf.com
- UX Design: Created complete wireframe designs for all three dashboard tiers using Figma, ensuring intuitive navigation and data visualization.
- Content Strategy: Wrote all website content, technical documentation, and user guides to communicate platform value clearly.
- Team Leadership: Managed a 4-person team including frontend developers, backend engineers, and UI designers through agile sprints.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Aligned technical requirements with business objectives while managing timelines and resource allocation.
The Solution Architecture
I designed a three-tiered dashboard system to serve different user personas:
1. Super Admin Dashboard:
The command center for infrastructure management. I designed this dashboard to allow administrators to add CDN nodes and servers globally, configure monitoring parameters, and manage system-wide settings. The interface prioritized efficiency with bulk upload capabilities and real-time health status indicators.
2. Admin Dashboard:
Created specifically for CDN provider management, this interface enables administrators to add new CDN providers, configure their details, update pricing tiers, and manage provider-specific features. The design focused on data organization and quick access to provider performance metrics.
3. Client Dashboard:
The user-facing product where customers interact with real-time CDN performance data. I designed this with clarity and actionability in mind—users can compare multiple CDN providers side-by-side, view global performance maps, access historical data trends, and make informed infrastructure decisions. The dashboard includes customizable filters, downloadable reports, and performance alerts.
Technical Implementation:
Working with the development team, we built the entire platform using:
- Frontend: React and Next.js for lightning-fast performance and server-side rendering
- Website: HTML and React with content strategy and copy I developed
- Backend: Custom API architecture to handle real-time data from multiple CDN networks
- Data Visualization: Interactive charts and global mapping for performance metrics
The Process:
Month 1: Research & Design
- Conducted competitive analysis of CDNPerf.com features
- Created user personas for three dashboard types
- Designed complete wireframes in Figma for all interfaces
- Developed content strategy and wrote website copy
- Established technical requirements and API specifications
Month 2: Development & Launch
- Led daily standups, coordinating frontend and backend development
- Implemented agile methodology with bi-weekly sprint reviews
- Conducted usability testing and iterated designs based on feedback
- Coordinated QA testing across all dashboard tiers
- Managed phased rollout with beta user testing
Results & Impact:
✅ Successfully launched a fully functional CDN monitoring platform in just 2 months.
✅ Cost reduction: Implemented customized open-source tools, significantly reducing operational expenses.
✅ Three-tier dashboard system serving different user roles with tailored experiences.
✅ Real-time monitoring of multiple CDN providers with global node coverage.
✅ Scalable architecture built on React and Next.js for future feature expansion.
✅ Competitive alternative to CDNPerf.com with all equivalent features plus enhanced usability.
Key Learning:
This project reinforced the importance of user-centric design in technical products. By deeply understanding the pain points of CDN managers, infrastructure teams, and decision-makers, I could create interfaces that transformed complex data into actionable insights. Leading a cross-functional team through rapid development taught me the value of clear communication, prioritization, and maintaining product vision while adapting to technical constraints.The biggest challenge was balancing feature richness with the development timeline. Through ruthless prioritization and phased rollout planning, we delivered an MVP that met user needs while establishing a foundation for future enhancements.
Category:
Product Development | SaaS Platform | Dashboard Design
Time to Complete:
2 Months (October 2024 – January 2025)
Skills Learned:
- Advanced Dashboard UX Design: Mastered designing complex data visualization interfaces for technical audiences with multiple user permission levels
- SaaS Platform Product Management: Led end-to-end product delivery for a real-time monitoring platform with backend integration complexity
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Coordinated developers, designers, and stakeholders across a rapid 2-month development cycle
- Technical Content Strategy:Created clear, compelling content that explains complex CDN technology to diverse audiences
Tools Used:
Design & Prototyping:
- Figma (Complete wireframe design for all 3 dashboards and website)
- Miro (User flow mapping and brainstorming)
Development Stack:
- React & Next.js (Frontend framework)
- HTML/CSS (Website structure)
- Custom API (Backend integration)
Project Management
- Basecamp (Sprint planning and task tracking)
- Docmost (Documentation and knowledge base)
- Google Workspace (Team communication)
Analytics & Testing:
- Userback (User behavior tracking)
- Google Analytics 4 (Performance monitoring)
Live Project:
🔗 Website: https://cdntoolkit.com
🔗 Platform:Available on request for demo access