University of Hertfordshire Implementing a Faculty Software Deployment Portal

Today’s Presentation Who we are Project Drivers Defining the Project Problems, Solutions and Issues The role of Microsoft & E-academy System & Participation Portal

University of Hertfordshire Faculty of Engineering & Information Sciences Technology based programs students Diverse range of software application use IT Technical Support Team

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

Project drivers – filling the gap Installation and Use Software Available Specialist SoftwareMSDN-AAFreeware Method of Deployment Faculty Software Deployment Portal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research – MSDNAA/ELMS User Software Portal ELMS Server Student Records Authentication

Solution requires: Student data required on ELMS server Transmission Issues Security of Student Identity Issue 1 – Data Protection reduce need for transmission of student data

Issue 2 – Data Maintenance Solution must incorporate: System requires direct access to Student Records Administrative overheads University Regulations local data maintenance automated data maintenance

Issue 3 - Authentication Solution requires: No authentication on software portal access Remote authentication data requirements Local visible authentication hidden 3 rd party authentication

Research – MSDN-AA/ELMS User Software Portal ELMS Server Student Records Visible Authentication Hidden Authentication

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

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

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

Participation Portal - Shareholders Universities and Colleges Commercial Software Developers Third Party System Suppliers Students