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An Identity Management System (or IdM system) integrates processes, policies and systems to enable an organisation to effectively control users access to applications and resources in an efficient and timely manner.
In late 2006, Swinburne commenced an IdM project containing two major phases. The first phase was to investigate which IdM solutions were available within the marketplace and identify the product that would best meet Swinburne's current and future needs. Oracle’s IdM solution (Oracle Identity Manager or OIM) was selected and purchased in January 2007. The second phase of the project, currently being undertaken, focuses on the implementation and integration of this solution.
During implementation all staff, student, casual and affiliate identities will be loaded into a single directory (database of identities). This directory will act as the single authoritative source for authentication to nominated Swinburne systems.
The directory is populated and kept up to date by drawing information from primary and authoritative sources of staff and student data. In Swinburne's case, staff information is drawn from Alesco, the University's Human Resource Management System and student information is drawn from ASCOL, the University's Student Management System.
Once the authoritative source of identity information is created, existing University applications and services can be pointed at it to enable activities such as provisioning (creation of accounts), de-provisioning (removal of accounts), authentication (verification that a user is who they say they are), authorisation (permission to use resources or execute functions) and password synchronisation (keeping your username and passwords the same across systems).
Fewer user names and passwords for Swinburne staff and students, faster and more robust provisioning and de-provisioning of system accounts and a service which future systems can authenticate against, negating the need to create and manage yet more accounts.
Some of the systems selected to be initially integrated with the IdM solution include: Novell, GroupWise, EWSS, VPN, Wireless, Finance One, WebCT, EZProxy, Blackboard, Allocate Plus, Pandora and My.Swinburne.
The core Identity Management System is scheduled to go live in late 2007. Integration and cut-over for nominated applications and services will occur early 2008 in line with business and academic calendars.
Further information will be provided in future issues of Stay Connected, however in the meantime, for more information on this project please contact the IdM Project Manager, Daniel Scheltinga, on 9214 5001 (ext 5001) or 0404 011 701 (ext 3061).
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