‘The App Catalog is a real game changer and significantly simplifies our daily processes.’
Karsten Ackmann, IT architect
SPIEGEL-Verlag Rudolf Augstein GmbH & Co. KG
SPIEGEL-Verlag Rudolf Augstein GmbH & Co. KG is one of the most renowned media companies in Germany. With its 1,400 highly qualified and motivated employees, it stands for quality journalism in all media areas. With its print magazines, TV productions and online offerings, the publishing house occupies an important place in the German media landscape.
SPIEGEL Group publications:
SPIEGEL Group publications:- DER SPIEGEL: The news magazine has stood for investigative journalism for more than 75 years. SPIEGEL’s journalism is characterised by thorough research and reliable quality.
- Other publications include: Manager Magazin, Harvard Business manager, 11Freunde and Effilee and a series of TV programmes under the brand name SPIEGEL TV.
Productivity and collaboration
Stephan Hardt has been with SPIEGEL for 27 years and has been head of the Digital Workplace department for more than 10 years. In this position, he is responsible for all topics related to the modern workplace. This includes the management and optimisation of end devices (macOS, Windows and iOS), software management and the strategic and operational support of Microsoft 365 as a central collaboration platform. Stephan: ‘My goal is to develop and offer innovative solutions that improve productivity and collaboration in our company.’
High update cycles
One of the main challenges in managing the apps for DER SPIEGEL was dealing with the rapid update cycles required due to increasing IT threats. Stephan explains: ‘This dynamic puts a strain on significant human resources and poses the risk of vulnerabilities in apps not being fixed in time. Such delays pose a serious threat to the company’s security and stability.’ So an appropriate solution had to be found.
The solution: Root3’s App Catalog
Karsten Ackmann, responsible for macOS endpoints, was already familiar with Root3 through the ‘Support App’, which is already used successfully in the company. ‘During our research, we also came across the Root3 App Catalogue. 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 but exceeded our expectations, which reinforced our decision to use the solution.’
Efficiency and security
With the introduction of the App Catalog, SPIEGEL Group was able to successfully meet the challenges of update cycles. Thanks to the App Catalog, the company can always keep the software on its Macs up-to-date. The App Catalog has already brought 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 carried out on around 800 macOS clients, representing an average of around 20 updates per device. The App Catalog currently contains 1,519 available applications.
Higher update frequency, less vulnerability
Another special benefit is the App Catalog Application. This is an app that allows users to easily install software from an IT-managed portfolio without administrator rights. This feature is highly appreciated within the company, as it increases users’ flexibility and autonomy. Stephan: ‘In addition, the solution allows 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 minimises 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 proof of concept (PoC) and full implementation. Implementation independently with the mobile device management tool Jamf Pro Tool. With excellent documentation on Root3’s App Catalog and client solutions perfectly tailored to the client agent and backend components perfectly tailored to the needs of Apple customers, Karsten was able to integrate the solution without any problems. ‘Even with questions or special The support from Root3 was always quick and competent. This was the only way to ensure that the implementation was completed quickly.’ In conclusion, Karsten stresses, ‘The app catalogue is a real game changer and simplifies our daily routine considerably. routine considerably.’