Building Business-Aligned Network Infrastructure with Jason Chan, Associate Vice President of Network, Collaboration & Observability Services, Merck

This episode features Jason Chan, Associate Vice President of Network, Collaboration & Observability Services at Merck. Jason shares how Merck is modernizing its global network infrastructure to deliver secure and scalable connectivity across a highly regulated environment. He discusses how automation, infrastructure as code, and business observability are transforming network operations. Throughout the conversation, Jason explores autonomous operations, AI-driven networks, and the evolving role of connected infrastructure in powering innovation across the hyperconnected enterprise.

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Guest Bio:

Jason Chan leads the Network, Collaboration & Observability Services Value Team, which provides foundational products and services in support of Merck’s global network, and how our customers connect and collaborate. His 25yr+ career has spanned across multiple industries, inclusive of pure technology companies, large conglomerates, and hospitality.

As the leader of the Austin Tech Center, Jason plays a pivotal role in driving employee engagement, fostering community both internally and externally, and growing Merck’s presence and brand in the Austin metropolitan area.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from Lehigh University and a Master of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from Stevens Institute of Technology. He resides in Cedar Park, Texas, with his wife, two daughters, and seven pets. In his free time, he plays recreational ice hockey.

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Guest Quote

“The vendor roadmap can't be your roadmap, right? Your roadmap has to be business aligned. It's not conform the business to the vendor that you chose to do business with...  We have to be business centric, customer centric, and our standards… if they're not fitting and solving the business challenge, those are the first things I'll throw away.”

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Time stamps:

• *(00:00) Episode Start
• *(01:20) Architecting Merck’s Network for Scale and Security
• *(05:50) Jason’s Career Lessons
• *(12:18) Hidden Complexity in Large Enterprises
• *(18:19) Balancing Speed, Compliance, and Automation
• *(21:56) Scaling Change Without Adding Headcount
• *(24:36) Observability as a Business Differentiator
• *(34:31) Stability vs. Change in Modern Networks
• *(39:35) Culture, Skills, and Leading Through Change
• *(47:40) Infrastructure as Code and the Road to Autonomous Operations

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Links:

• Connect with Jason on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Merck
• Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
• Connect with Raj on LinkedIn
• Visit Tata Communications’ website
• Follow Tata Communications on LinkedIn

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