University of Hertfordshire

1
University of Hertfordshire

• Implementing a
• Faculty Software Deployment Portal

2
Todays Presentation

• Who we are
• Project Drivers
• Defining the Project
• Problems, Solutions and Issues
• The role of Microsoft E-academy
• System Participation Portal

3
University of Hertfordshire

• Faculty of Engineering Information Sciences
• Technology based programs
• 6000 students
• Diverse range of software application use
• IT Technical Support Team

4
Project Drivers - Pertinent Events

• Commercial software made increasingly available
  to students
• FEIS signs up to MSDN Academic Alliance
  Membership
• Increased pressure on Technical Support Resources
• Clean central student registration data
• Single student laboratory sign-on

5
Project drivers filling the gap
Software Available
Specialist Software
MSDN-AA
Freeware
Faculty Software Deployment Portal
Method of Deployment
Installation and Use
6
Software Deployment Project

• The Project Team
• Interim Requirement
• Evolving a solution
• Specific issues
• Widening Participation

7
Project Team

• Project Sponsor Paul Morris
• Project Manager Tony Crook
• Authentication/Security Ian Munro
• MSDN-AA/ELMS Bruce Mclean
• Specialist CAE software Matthew Waters
• Portal Design and GUI Sue Attwood

8
External Contacts

• David Chalmers
• Microsoft,
• Academic Developer Evangelist
• Angela Foot
• e-academy Inc.
• Director of Marketing Sales

9
Requirements

• Handle multiple software sources
• Single web-based access point
• Built in authentication/registration
• Only on-line and/or indirect support
• Minimal Administration
• Utilise UH central records
• Meet legal and commercial obligations

10
Evolving a solution

• Modular interface to third party systems
• Portal site for all software access
• Direct access to registered student data
• Integrated on-line support system
• Minimal transmission of student details
• Ensure security of service

11
Specific Issues

• A look at three key project issues
• Data Protection
• Data Management
• Security/Authentication

12
Research MSDNAA/ELMS
Software Portal
User
ELMS Server
Student Records
Authentication
13
Issue 1 Data Protection

• Solution requires
• Student data required on ELMS server
• Transmission Issues
• Security of Student Identity

• reduce need for transmission of student data

14
Issue 2 Data Maintenance

• Solution must incorporate
• System requires direct access to Student Records
• Administrative overheads
• University Regulations

• local data maintenance

• automated data maintenance

15
Issue 3 - Authentication

• Solution requires
• No authentication on software portal access
• Remote authentication data requirements

• Local visible authentication

• hidden 3rd party authentication

16
Research MSDN-AA/ELMS
Software Portal
User
Visible Authentication
ELMS Server
Student Records
Hidden Authentication
17
Solutions

• Locally maintained sensitive data
• Real-time data access achievable
• Whole process enveloped in single authentication

18
Portal Structure

• Integrated service and support on-site
• Seamless transfer to/from 3rd party sites
• Local authentification
• Use of centralised UH student database
• Audit trail
• Management information

19
Participation Portal

• Sharepoint Server to control project management
  information flow
• Extend Project Management Sharepoint Server
• Participation Portal for all shareholders

20
Participation Portal - Shareholders

• Universities and Colleges
• Commercial Software Developers
• Third Party System Suppliers
• Students