Case Study - Headless Frontend Migration and Unified Checkout System
We partnered with Crain to architect a scalable frontend stack across their 30-site portfolio and built a unified checkout system with enhanced paywall protection and performance.
- Client
- Crain Communications
- Year
- Service
- Frontend Architecture + Payment Infrastructure
Overview
We worked closely with Crain’s engineering leadership to transform their legacy frontend stack into a scalable, maintainable system using modern tools and architecture patterns. The project involved supporting dozens of editorial brands while aligning with unique business models and CMS constraints.
Our first rollout launched on Automotive News, successfully proving the new system’s flexibility and performance. This milestone served as the blueprint for migrating the rest of the company’s 30-site portfolio.
Simultaneously, we engineered a unified paywall and checkout experience to support paid content access across high-traffic domains, while meeting strict security and business rules.
What we did
- Headless Frontend Migration (Nx Monorepo)
- CMS Integration (WordPress, ArcXP, Drupal)
- Checkout System (Stripe + Vantiv)
- Paywall Enforcement (JWT, Redis)
- Performance & Editorial Workflow Enhancements
- Websites unified under new stack
- 30
- CMS flexibility retained
- 100%
- of premium users secured
- Millions
Results
Crain’s new frontend stack improved scalability, developer productivity, and long-term maintainability across their portfolio. The headless approach allows for centralized development while supporting diverse brand needs.
The checkout and paywall system simplified revenue workflows, provided secure gated content for premium users, and improved performance across domains. Our collaboration began with the successful rollout of Automotive News and enabled Crain to launch faster, iterate more confidently, and grow their digital presence with a robust foundation.