Federating the Next Generation

Abstract

Tech 101 for Librarians

In order to reap the greatest benefits from Federated Access Management (FAM) it is usually best for an institution to deploy their own hardware and software, however, uncertainty and confusion about how to do this in a cost effective way has resulted in some shieing away from self provision towards an outsourced service.

This presentation aims to demystify some of the terminology used in the FAM world in order to assist institutions towards the self deployment of FAM software. It will cover the mechanisms and benefits of deploying your own Identity Provider and Service Provider(s) and will be particularly aimed at those from the Libraries who may be new to some of the concepts involved in FAM and Identity Management.

Presenter

Andy Swiffin

Andy has been involved in Identity Management for over 15 years, writing a user management directory for his institution even before X500 directories existed.

In the early days of the Federation role-out Andy saw that there were likely to be huge benefits in embracing this for his institution and has been an “evangelist” for Federated Access ever since. He formed the McShib Access Management forum in Scotland which has been instrumental in promoting Federated Access throughout the country through a number of very well attended technical meetings.

Through his presentations at a number of conferences and courses Andy always aims to give the recipients something that they can take away that will help them deploy FAM at their own institutions. As a pilot and qualified flying instructor, Andy is never happier than when he doesn’t have both feet firmly on the ground!