From legacy to leading edge: BBC Group's Storyblok adventure
- Headquarters: BBC Group operates globally with headquarters spanning across Switzerland, Germany, and beyond.
- Tech Stack: Storyblok, Adobe Commerce, Mageless (developed by netz98
- 7 websites Multiplatform
- 10 languages in 13 countries
- 10 months to Launch
Valantic, a premier digital agency specializing in e-commerce solutions, collaborated with BBC Group to overhaul their digital presence. Harnessing Storyblok's user-friendly interface and adaptability, netz98 orchestrated a comprehensive solution, merging content management with e-commerce functionalities across BBC Group's diverse web portfolio. The resulting multiplatform structure contains 7 websites, with over 10 languages, and was ready in 10 months.
Storyblok has proven to be a headless CMS that offers us and our client, BBC Group, unparalleled flexibility in the development of their e-commerce projects. Particularly noteworthy is the ability to not only quickly and easily create individual building blocks but also to implement them seamlessly into the frontend technically. The unique preview function allows editors to get a direct view of the edited content before it goes live.
Challenges faced by the previous setup
- Outdated CMS: Typo3's rigid structure and limited adaptability stifled efficient content management and modernization efforts.
- Complex editing processes: Cumbersome procedures within Typo3 impeded content updates and revisions, leading to inefficiencies.
- Lack of modernization: Typo3's outdated framework posed challenges in incorporating contemporary CMS elements, restricting website presentation and functionality.
Encompassing solutions offered by Storyblok
- Intuitive Content Management: Storyblok empowered BBC Group's team with a user-friendly interface, facilitating streamlined content management without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
- Seamless integration: Storyblok seamlessly integrated with Adobe Commerce, enabling BBC Group to amalgamate robust e-commerce features with flexible content management capabilities.
- Multi-language support: Storyblok provided comprehensive multi-language support at no additional cost, enhancing BBC Group's global outreach and communication.
- Modern features and flexibility: Storyblok's modern elements and flexible editing features enabled BBC Group to elevate the visual appeal and functionality of their websites, catering to evolving audience preferences.
By flexibly combining systems like Storyblok and Adobe Commerce, we were able to develop a wide range of websites for BBC Group – from comprehensive online shops to platforms focused exclusively on editorial content. This enabled us to create customized solutions that are precisely tailored to the specific needs of BBC Group.
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Milestones and moments
The collaboration between netz98 and BBC Group marked the initiation of a comprehensive digital transformation journey. Beginning with requirement and strategy workshops that engaged all BBC Group entities, the project aimed to identify synergies and customization needs tailored to each company's unique requirements.
Storyblok seamlessly integrated into the composable commerce setup, enabling BBC Group to develop a versatile digital infrastructure. Integration with Adobe Commerce, used as headless Shop-System, and netz98's proprietary frontend solution, Mageless, ensured optimal performance, security, and customization capabilities.
Despite challenges such as managing multiple websites, environments, and languages, the project progressed steadily, culminating in the successful delivery of a robust digital ecosystem within the stipulated time frame of 10 months.
The handover process encompassed extensive training sessions for BBC Group's team, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate and leverage Storyblok's functionalities effectively.
Throughout the project journey, obstacles were encountered, including initial resistance to transitioning to a headless system and the complexity of managing various websites and language requirements. However, proactive collaboration and meticulous planning enabled the team to overcome these challenges and achieve project milestones successfully.
The collaboration between netz98 and BBC Group, powered by Storyblok's capabilities, exemplifies the transformative potential of modern CMS solutions. By overcoming challenges and embracing innovation, BBC Group has positioned itself for enduring digital success.
