The Route from Enrolment to Personified Information Services Takes 10 Minutes at AMU!

Author: Radim Chvála,  Academy of Performing Arts, Czech Republic

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Abstract

If we want to provide our users with friendly and personified information services, we have to create an easy and safe access to IT and a uniform network identity.

The AMU computer network consists of 11 servers in 8 locations to which the users log in. Manual processing of this agenda creates problems in speed, accuracy, up-to-date relevance, safety and responsibility.

The solution has been found in on-line interconnection of the Student/Personnel information system (Oracle) with the network directory system (Novell eDirectory) and with the e-mail system (GroupWise).

Entering the user's name and position into the Student or Personnel system starts a process which automatically provides the user with 1) a network account and a network login name (ID), 2) home directory in the appropriately located server (home), 3) e-mail address and account, 4) initial passwords for the network and mail, 5) a personified set of access rights to applications. The account is also used for the personified services of the school portal. Some applications (e.g. TinLib) draw on the data for their operation. The accounts can be created and, according to the set rules, also restricted and cancelled.

The above-desribed solution uses the XML technology and operates with the "box product" Novell dirXML. The implementation consisted only of analysis and configuration, no programming work was necessary.

Therefore every user can fully utilise the information resources from any location 10 minutes after enrolment as a student or after signing a contract as an employee.

About the author

PaedDr. Radim Chvála, CSc., head of Center of Computer Department.

Graduated in 1975 in Physics, technical aids in teaching and cybernetic pedagogy.

Between 1975 and 1993 he worked as a methodist and later as a head of a didactic and IT workplace.

Between 1992 and 1993 he was a head of the Department of Didactic Services at PeadF UK.

Since 1993 he works at Academy of Performing Arts (AMU) as a head of Computer Center, where he has leading position in both policy making and building of computer networks of the rector's office and all the departments of AMU.

As the head of Computer Center he ensures operation and administration of computer networks and other HW at AMU, providing for technical support for integrated information system of AMU and introducing new information technologies into tuition.

He has made an essential contribution to all the grants and other works relevant to creation of electronic catalogues, automation of library circulations and electronic services of AMU libraries.

Among other duties, he is responsible for technical functioning of AMU libraries and he works as a technical manager of TinLib/TinWeb systems at AMU.

He is a deputy chairman of Association of TinLib users of Czech Republic.