Cologne, 18 November 2009 – METRO Group, an international retail specialist, has modernised “METRO Group Networking”, its internal information and collaboration platform. As part of this modernisation, the company has introduced the current 7.1 version of the pirobase CMS content management system. pirobase CMS 7.1's use of open standards, as well as its enhanced capabilities, enables METRO Group to utilise new intranet applications in order to better exploit the Group's existing knowledge-base.

Information management XXL: 60,000 users in 27 countries
METRO Group Networking is the central hub for information and virtual collaboration for its employees across 27 countries. METRO Group Networking comprises a total of 44 company and topical intranets for various METRO subsidiaries, with some 1,500 authors maintaining content for more than 60,000 users. Once users are logged on, they benefit from many applications that can increase the efficiency of their work; for example, feedback and text messaging services, multimedia messages and virtual taskforces.

pirobase CMS is one of the core components of Networking, alongside Microsoft SharePoint Server and SAP NetWeaver. The content management system collates all of the information from the connected systems and makes it available in the desired form via a variety of output channels.

Central management of all clients
pirobase’s multi-client capabilities make it possible to centrally administer all of the intranets connected via Networking. This means that central corporate communications reach all personnel; author amendments are automatically implemented in every single intranet irrespective of the individual layouts or document templates being used by the various departments and subsidiaries. Costs are therefore minimized, duplication avoided and at any time a currently valid version of any document is available throughout the Group.

Simplified data management = faster reaction times
The upgrade to pirobase CMS 7.1 includes the new editing and display tools Smart Editor and Smart View, enhanced search capabilities and direct version comparisons. METRO Group has therefore been able to improve the system's user friendliness for its authors. Content management is easier and can respond more quickly to changes and new Group requirements. In addition, the new pirobase version supports all common development standards and ensures the future development and utility of Networking. METRO Group will therefore be able to implement new applications to increase the benefits to personnel throughout the company.

“As we are continuously developing Networking, we need a flexible and resilient content management system – such as pirobase CMS 7.1”, says Simone Schiffner-Backhaus, who as Head of the Networking & Multimedia Business Division is responsible for the Networking corporate portal. “This content management system can cope with the challenges posed by internal communications of an international retail group. It allows us to present content throughout the group and to ensure the flow of information between central administration and our stores, as well as within the stores themselves – and it does so in 27 countries.”


About METRO Group
METRO Group is one of the largest international retailing companies. In 2008 the Group generated sales of € 68 billion. The company has a headcount of some 300,000 employees and operates around 2,100 stores in 32 countries. The performance of METRO Group is based on the strength of its sales divisions which operate independently in their respective market segment: Metro/Makro Cash & Carry – the international leader in selfservice wholesale, Real hypermarkets, Media Markt and Saturn – European market leader in consumer electronics retailing, and Galeria Kaufhof department stores.

Further information at: http://www.metrogroup.de

PIRONET NDH AG offers the market a unique portfolio of solutions for handling digital content and data. This includes consultancy, software, integration and outsourcing services. PIRONET NDH AG is a corporate group that brings together five companies specializing in the five different business areas ICT outsourcing, consulting and design, content management solutions as well as IT-solutions for the industries retail / CPG and financial services. PIRONET NDH AG was founded in 1995 and is based in Cologne. Since 2000, it has been listed on the German stock exchange. The Group of companies employs more than 500 people working in 20 different countries and posted sales figures of around 60 million euros in the last financial year (2008).

Press contact:
Pironet NDH
Adrian Rosa
Press Office
Maarweg 149-161
50825 Cologne, Germany
Tel.: +49.221.56939-2406
Fax: +49.221.56939-2424
E-Mail: