Reference: ZDF
New thinking on print infrastructure: ZDF consolidates 2,500 devices and simplifies driver management with Genius Bytes
Customer
ZDF
The Second German Television (ZDF) is one of the largest public broadcasting organizations in Europe, headquartered in Mainz. With editorial offices, studios, and correspondents around the world – from Moscow to Nairobi to Rio de Janeiro – the ZDF operates a complex, geographically distributed IT infrastructure that meets the highest standards of reliability, security, and usability.
- Performance: Central printer driver management
- Industry: Media & Broadcasting
The challenge
Complex printing environment meets high security requirements
For years, ZDF operated an extensive print infrastructure with around 2,500 individual devices. With the strategic decision to switch to centralized multifunctional systems per floor, the number of devices was reduced to around 700 – which should have simplified management, but at the same time posed new requirements for driver and print server management.
The real problem lay in driver management: different driver versions in different departments, manual setup by IT for each individual printer, no uniform basis across locations. Especially in the 17 foreign studios, where employees work with local devices and no local IT support is available on site, each printer installation was a time-consuming process. Additionally, outdated drivers are a known security risk that is unacceptable in a media organization that is committed to security.
Solution
Central output management platform
ZDF relies on the Genius Server as the central output management platform from Genius Bytes.
The basis for uniform, location-independent print management. Building on this is Genius PDM (Printer Driver Manager) the core of the new driver management: printer drivers, profiles, and printer configurations are centrally maintained and automatically rolled out to all clients. A single, consistent source replaces the previously fragmented driver landscape.
The crucial step for ZDF is the self-service client: employees – even in foreign studios and on field assignments – can install the required printers themselves with a click, without a ticket, without a remote session, and without waiting in line. The IT department is relieved of routine requests and only needs to record the device, IP address, and model once.
For events and mobile deployments where ZDF works together with other broadcasters such as ARD, the approach enables quick and uncomplicated setup on-site. Additionally, pull printing is used: print jobs are only triggered on the device when the employee authenticates – an important contribution to confidentiality in an editorial environment.
- Central control, decentralized use
Drivers and configurations are centrally maintained once and are immediately available in all locations, without manual work for each computer. - Security through up-to-date drivers
Automatic updates ensure that no outdated, vulnerable driver versions are in circulation. - Relief for IT
Self-service replaces ticket processes. Employees are able to act without having to wait for IT support.
Your reasons
Why organisations worldwide trust Genius Bytes
For over two decades, Genius Bytes has been helping companies and public institutions to organise their document and business processes securely, efficiently and digitally.
Our manufacturer-independent software solutions combine innovation, data protection and practical implementation - for sustainable digitalisation.
- 25+ Years of experience
- 1.000+ Customers worldwide
- Manufacturer-independent technology
- 100 % GDPR-compliant
- 17 million.+ Print jobs annually
Get in touch
We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our solutions.
Result
A central solution for 700 devices and worldwide locations
The printing infrastructure of ZDF has been consolidated from 2,500 to around 700 devices. Driver management runs centrally and automatically; manual setup by IT is no longer required. Staff in editorial departments, studios, and overseas locations can independently set up printers, regardless of location and local IT support.
The solution demonstrates that even complex, geographically distributed organizations can operate their print infrastructure without major administrative overhead. Companies with similar requirements – many locations, mobile employees, high security requirements – benefit from the same approach: centralized management, automated distribution, self-service for users.
Quote
With Genius PDM, we have taken driver management out of the ticketing system. Our employees – whether in Mainz or at a foreign studio – now set up printers themselves. This noticeably relieves the burden on IT and at the same time gives us the control we need for a secure, unified printing infrastructure.