Use Case: Consolidation of the online presences of universities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Industry: Tertiary education providers
Technologies: TYPO3 multisite with client capability, enterprise search with Solr, scheduler
Time info: Project start in 2015, ongoing since then

In 2015, several universities and universities of applied sciences in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern set out together to standardize their digital presence. In collaboration with +Pluswerk, they developed a centrally hosted multi-portal system based on TYPO3.

The goals of the multi-portal were and are improved accessibility, simplified content maintenance and scalability for future growth. With customizable designs and functions tailored to the individual universities, the multi-portal offers an optimal solution.

Today, a total of 7 universities use the Multiportal: University of Greifswald, University of Rostock, Rostock University of Music and Drama, Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Wismar University of Applied Sciences, Alfried Krupp Wissenschaftskolleg Greifswald and Stralsund University of Applied Sciences.

Large coat of arms of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The coat of arms shows a quartered shield. In the upper left field is the Mecklenburg bull's head on a golden background, in the upper right field the red Pomeranian griffin on a silver background, in the lower left field the red Brandenburg eagle on a silver background and in the lower right field the Mecklenburg bull's head on a golden background.
The coat of arms of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Project overview

By consolidating multiple websites into a single TYPO3 installation, the universities benefited from simplified maintenance, consistent updates and shared resources. The platform's multi-site capability allowed each institution to maintain its own identity while utilizing a common technical foundation. This approach reduces redundancies and promotes collaboration between the universities.

+Pluswerk adapted the TYPO3 platform to various requirements, such as the integration of e-learning systems, research databases and faculty directories. During the design phase, particular emphasis was placed on responsive layouts to ensure an optimal user experience on all end devices. Extensive authorization controls were implemented in order to efficiently manage the creation and publication of content.

The scope of the project

► 280+ domains
► 76,000+ individual pages in German
► 17,000+ individual English pages
► 2,500+ editors (approx. 180 daily logins)
► 35,000+ front-end accounts
► 835,000+ content elements
► Over 505,000 files (305,000 images / 134,000 PDF documents)
► 45 extensions
► 19 extensions developed by and with +Pluswerk

Screenshot of the University of Greifswald website displayed on a MacBook, featuring a modern TYPO3-based design with structured navigation and engaging multimedia content.
The TYPO3-based website of the University of Greifswald offers an intuitive and visually appealing experience for students, lecturers and visitors.

Top advantages of the multi-portal solution

Cost efficiency
By pooling resources and expertise, the universities and colleges were able to significantly reduce their operating costs. Instead of investing in several independent IT infrastructures, the shared TYPO3 platform enables efficient budget allocation, with regular updates, security patches and functional enhancements being managed centrally.
UX and accessibility
With a focus on user-oriented design, the portal ensures that students, teachers and administrators can find relevant information quickly. Responsive design, an optimized search, WCAG accessibility standards and clear navigation ensure smooth use on all devices.
Scalability
The new TYPO3 platform is tailored to the needs of universities. With increasing student numbers and new faculties, the system enables seamless expansion. New functions can be added without affecting the existing structure. This makes it a long-term solution for universities.

A vision for the future: sustainable digital solutions

The success of this TYPO3 portal system shows how well digital collaboration works. By standardizing their websites on a single platform, the universities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern have set a new benchmark for efficiency, user-friendliness and scalability in the higher education sector. As technology is constantly evolving, the flexible structure of the platform ensures that it can adapt to future digital requirements.

The TYPO3 ecosystem supports universities worldwide with robust, flexible and scalable solutions tailored to the needs of academic institutions. With its open source base and extensive community support, TYPO3 remains the first choice for institutions looking to expand their digital infrastructure and optimize their content management processes.

Mockup of the new website of the University of Rostock displayed on a smartphone and a desktop browser. The design features a modern, responsive layout with clear navigation and a focus on accessibility and usability.
The current website of the University of Rostock - developed with +Pluswerk for a modern, barrier-free and user-friendly online presence

Use Case

Standardized platform improves efficiency and collaboration

By consolidating multiple websites into a single TYPO3 installation, the universities benefit from simplified maintenance, consistent updates and shared resources. Thanks to the platform's multi-site capability, each institution was able to maintain its own identity while using a common technical base. This approach reduces redundancies and promotes collaboration between the universities.

+Pluswerk adapted the TYPO3 platform to various requirements, such as the integration of e-learning systems, research databases and faculty directories. During the design phase, particular emphasis was placed on responsive layouts to ensure an optimal user experience on all end devices. Extended authorization controls were implemented to efficiently manage the creation and publication of content.

Standardized platform improves efficiency and collaboration

By consolidating multiple websites into a single TYPO3 installation, the universities benefit from simplified maintenance, consistent updates and shared resources. Thanks to the platform's multi-site capability, each institution was able to maintain its own identity while using a common technical base. This approach reduces redundancies and promotes collaboration between the universities.

+Pluswerk adapted the TYPO3 platform to various requirements, such as the integration of e-learning systems, research databases and faculty directories. During the design phase, particular emphasis was placed on responsive layouts to ensure an optimal user experience on all end devices. Extended authorization controls were implemented to efficiently manage the creation and publication of content.

TYPO3
Enterprise websites and content management on an established open source basis with a strong community.
[Translate to English:]
University Study
Indispensable information for responsible persons and decision makers at colleges and universities in the DACH region.
[Translate to English:]
Happy Path 4 Students
Future-proof answers to the systemic challenges of digitalisation - investing today to survive tomorrow.
TYPO3
Enterprise websites and content management on an established open source basis with a strong community.
[Translate to English:]
University Study
Indispensable information for responsible persons and decision makers at colleges and universities in the DACH region.
[Translate to English:]
Happy Path 4 Students
Future-proof answers to the systemic challenges of digitalisation - investing today to survive tomorrow.