Max Planck Digital Library, established relationship
Max Planck Digital Library
Comprehensive redesign and modernization of the Max Planck Digital Library's online presence, including multiple integrated platforms and services.
Project Overview
The MPDL project encompassed a comprehensive update of their digital infrastructure, focusing on modernizing the Joomla-based platform while maintaining and improving functionality across multiple integrated services.
Our work extended beyond the main website to include various connected platforms such as LeadNet, internal HR tools, and the innovative Bloxberg portal for blockchain-based research validation.
More recent work included targeted platform improvements and a complex Joomla migration. The volume of work changes with MPDL's priorities. When another need appears, work can resume without a lengthy rediscovery phase.
Technical Challenges
Major Joomla Migration
Migrating the main website from Joomla 3 to a current-generation Joomla platform required replacing and rebuilding the underlying implementation while preserving the established design, content, and user experience.
Multi-Project Integration
Coordinating multiple interconnected projects including LeadNet, HR tools, and the Bloxberg portal. Each component required specific technical solutions while maintaining seamless integration.
Frontend Redesign
Creating a modern frontend design within the Joomla framework constraints. This includes responsive layouts and interactive elements while ensuring compatibility with existing systems.
Research Tools
Working on web support and development for portals focusing on specialized research tools including the Bloxberg blockchain validation system. This provided an excellent entry point for scientific research activities.
Technical Solutions
Low-Disruption Migration
Planned and delivered the major Joomla migration with effectively no public downtime, validating the rebuilt platform while the existing service remained available.
Data Management
Construct a unified data management interoperability to handle information flow between different platforms and tools, ensuring consistency and reliability across all integrated services.
Bloxberg Development
Successfully developed the Bloxberg blockchain portal for researchers validation, implementing a user-friendly and informative interface.
Development Process
Systematic Code Analysis
Conducted comprehensive analysis of existing codebase to identify areas for improvement and potential risks, creating a detailed modernization roadmap.
Collaborative Development
Coordinated directly with MPDL teams across several projects, keeping integrations and development practices consistent.
Continuous Integration
Implemented robust CI/CD pipelines for automated testing and deployment, ensuring consistent quality across all updates and modifications.
Modernization Without Losing Continuity
The Joomla migration was effectively a full technical rebuild, but the public website needed to retain its familiar appearance and complete body of content. Careful planning made that major change possible with effectively no public downtime.
Work with MPDL has also covered the main website, connected internal platforms, and substantial development for the Bloxberg research project. The current arrangement is support as needed. Workload can be quiet for a period, but MPDL can return to a team that already understands the systems and their history.