Der Standard is a digital-first media house with a strong print legacy. Over time, the newsroom accumulated multiple tools. Separate workflows for print and online created duplication and delays. By 2023, they still had two editorial systems and isolated planning tools. Integration was urgently needed. At Kordiam's Editorial Days 2025, Mario Naito, Head of Systems Design Engineering shared how this was implemented.  

Why Kordiam’s Message Queue Matters 

To unify these systems, Der Standard’s engineering team built a custom integration hub using Kordiam’s message queue. This setup connects tools like their CMS Livingdocs, DAM, print layout software, and proofreading systems, allowing editorial processes to run smoothly across platforms. The message queue does not carry content. It carries signals about content changes. A Communication Mediation Center listens to these signals and triggers the right response across systems. 

How the Communication Hub Works 

The hub is the decision-making engine. It listens to both Kordiam and the CMS. When something changes, the hub checks what needs to happen and pushes updates to the relevant systems. This replaces point-to-point integrations, reduces duplication, and increases reliability. The result is a more robust and flexible architecture. 

From Proofreading to Print Layout 

This integration model makes complex processes simpler. Once a story is marked as proofread, the hub coordinates a chain of actions starting in Kordiam. It updates the publication status, logs the responsible editor, captures a snapshot for print, and notifies layout systems. This centralizes oversight, cuts manual steps, and improves accuracy. 

Editorial Visibility and Control 

Kordiam remains the central cockpit. Editors see all story statuses and system links in one place. They do not have to jump between tools. With this system, every department, from planning to layout, works from the same source of truth. That means fewer surprises at the print house and better visibility during breaking news. 

Keeping Legacy Systems in Play 

Der Standard’s hub also helps legacy systems stay in the loop. Instead of building costly APIs, the team built endpoints at the hub. Legacy tools can now receive updates without slowing down the rest of the stack. Everything runs on their private cloud infrastructure, giving them full control and data security. 

What Other Newsrooms Can Learn 

Der Standard’s setup is complex but offers a clear lesson. Newsroom workflows are not linear. They involve branches, loops, and reversals. A message queue and hub model can absorb that complexity without adding chaos. It allows legacy and modern tools to coexist. And it lets journalists focus on stories, not systems. 

Watch the presentation recording here.