Implementing Interconnectivity

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Implementing Interconnectivity

• A Plan for System-wide Data Integration

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The Chancellors Vision

• Interconnectivity
• Examples
• Transfer of Transcripts electronically
• Web Registration
• Ability to
• Real-time (or as close as possible) Data for
  making decisions

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The Proposed Solution

• The Department will partner with Alabama
  Supercomputer Authority, Access Group, and
  institutions within the Alabama College System
  to create a central data store each evening of
  core, agreed upon data elements

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Application/Data Concept1
1 Concept provided by Alabama Supercomputer
Authority
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Application/Data Concept

• Web Server Front-End may be same machine as the
  ACS Server
• College Servers would export data on a regular
  basis in XML format to server accessible to ACS
• 18 Colleges using Access may use same report
• 2 colleges using SCT may use same report
• 9 colleges using independent software may require
  individual assistance from ACS to generate data
• ACS Server will handle all collection, parsing
  and storage of XML data into an SQL database
• Web-database application will run custom reports
  on data and store reports for future retrieval.

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Hardware/Network Topology1
1 Concept provided by Alabama Supercomputer
Authority
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Hardware/Network Topology

• College Server/XML Repository could be a
  different machine from the actual data server
• Multiple secure data transmission options
• Virtual Private Network (VPN)
• Secure Shell (SSH)
• SSH can handle encryption and transmission of
  data
• Using SSH may reduce hardware costs associated
  with VPNs
• Site specific decision based on LAN topology and
  infrastructure

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Implementation Considerations

• Case 1 College Server not on LAN
• Bring server onto a firewalled private network
• Router-lists limit access to server strictly from
  ACS server
• Case 2 College Server on LAN No Firewall
• Firewall must be in place before data exchange to
  prevent possible information compromise
• Case 3 College Server on LAN Behind Firewall
• College server is online and can allow direct or
  indirect access to data by ACS Server

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Why XML and not a flat file for data transport
method?

• XML is extensible
• XML has become the standard for data transmission
  over the web
• XML is a cross-platform, software and hardware
  independent tool for transmitting information
• XML with a DTD or XML Schema is designed to be
  self-descriptive and self-validating.

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Advantages of using XML

• Allows facilitated integration of proprietary
  systems that require access to the same data
• It is a database-neutral and device-neutral
  format which means that there is no need to
  purchase costly new hardware or software, phase
  out legacy systems, or require all parties to
  agree upon a system.
• It is easy to use and understand.

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Disadvantages of using XML

• Large data sets can be unwieldy to maintain.
• Maintain information in database and then output
  relevant data into XML.
• XML, then, is only used for presentation or
  transportation of data.
• Lack of Integrated security
• A security standard for XML has not been set,
  yet.
• Must use a VPN to limit distribution and access
  of XML documents.

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Student Data Elements

• StudentID - (Probably the SSN)
• Gender
• Ethnicity
• Birthdate
• Cipcode of Program
• Student Classification
• List of Courses Enrolled
• Department
• Course Number
• Section
• Credit Hours

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Personnel Data Elements

• Personnel Data Elements
• PersonnelID - (Probably the SSN)
• Last name
• First name
• Middle Initial
• Birthdate
• Gender
• Ethnicity
• Employment Status
• Salary Schedule
• Salary Rank
• Salary Step
• Regular Salary Amount
• For Faculty Members we would want a list of
  courses they are teaching
• Department
• Course Number
• Section
• Number of Students
• Credit Hours

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Questions and Comments