DER SPIEGEL

Publications by the SPIEGEL Group:

• DER SPIEGEL: For more than 75 years, this news magazine has been synonymous with investigative journalism. SPIEGEL’s journalism is characterized by thorough research and reliable quality.
• Other publications include: Manager Magazin, Harvard Business Manager, 11Freunde, and Effilee, as well as a series of TV programs under the SPIEGEL TV brand.

Productivity and Collaboration

Stephan Hardt has been with SPIEGEL for 27 years and has headed the Digital Workplace department for over 10 years. In this role, he is responsible for all matters related to the modern workplace. This includes the management and optimization of end devices (macOS, Windows, and iOS), software management, and the strategic and operational support of Microsoft 365 as the central collaboration platform. Stephan: “My goal is to develop and offer innovative solutions that improve productivity and collaboration within our company.”

Frequent Update Cycles

One of the main challenges in managing apps for DER SPIEGEL was dealing with the rapid update cycles required due to increasing IT threats. Stephan explains: “This dynamic ties up significant personnel resources and carries the risk that vulnerabilities in apps won’t be addressed in time. Such delays pose a serious threat to the company’s security and stability.” A suitable solution therefore had to be found.

The solution: Root3’s App Catalog

Karsten Ackmann, responsible for the macOS endpoints, was already familiar with Root3 through the “Support App,” which is already being used successfully within the company. “During our research, we also came across the Root3 App Catalog. Based on our positive experience with the ‘Support App’ and Root3’s existing ISO certifications, we decided to conduct a proof of concept (PoC) for the App Catalog. This PoC not only met our expectations but even exceeded them, which reinforced our decision to use the solution.”

Efficiency and Security

With the introduction of the App Catalog, the SPIEGEL Group was able to successfully address the challenges of update cycles. Thanks to the App Catalog, the company can keep the software on its Macs up to date at all times. The App Catalog has already delivered significant benefits and improvements to SPIEGEL-Verlag, both in terms of efficiency and security. In the past month alone (March 2025), 16,335 updates were installed on approximately 800 macOS clients, averaging about 20 updates per device. The App Catalog currently contains 1,519 available applications.

Higher Update Frequency, Fewer Vulnerabilities

Another notable benefit is the App Catalog Application. This is an app that allows users to easily install software from an IT-managed portfolio without requiring administrator privileges. This feature is highly valued within the company because it increases users’ flexibility and autonomy. Stephan: “In addition, the solution enables us to achieve a higher update frequency with fewer staff while significantly reducing vulnerability. This not only contributes to the security of the IT infrastructure but also minimizes the potential risks and costs associated with security breaches.”

Smooth Implementation

The implementation of the App Catalog went smoothly and efficiently, according to Karsten Ackmann, IT architect. He carried out both the proof of concept (PoC) and the full implementation independently using the Jamf Pro mobile device management tool. With excellent documentation on Root3’s App Catalog and client solutions perfectly tailored to the client agent and backend components—which are perfectly aligned with the needs of Apple customers—Karsten was able to integrate the solution without any issues. “Even when we had questions or special requests, Root3’s support was always prompt and competent. This was the only way to ensure that the implementation was completed quickly.” In conclusion, Karsten emphasizes: “The App Catalog is a real game-changer and significantly simplifies our daily routine.”