What is a NetID?

A Network ID (NetID) is a unique log-on profile used to identify a person requesting access to University applications over the University’s network.

What are the goals of NetID?

• To provide every student, staff and faculty member a network identifier and password to be used to authenticate the identity of that person when accessing University applications over the University’s network.
• To provide every student as part of their official record an e-mail address to which the University can send official electronic correspondence and which will operate under the same set of assumptions as an official postal address.

• To provide a single integrated authentication source for the entire University community (Knoxville, Memphis, and Tullahoma)

Who is participating on the NetID Project Team?

• A cross-sectional team from the Division of Information Infrastructure (DII) directs the technical aspects of the project. This team includes representatives from Computing & Network Services, specifically the Unix & NT, Student Information Services, and DBA groups.
• The user aspects of NetID are addressed by the Office of Admissions & Records, notably the Dean’s Office and Enrollment Data Services.

• Early implementers of NetID include the SAP IRIS system and the Student Data Warehouse

What is the current status of the project?

• NetIDs have been loaded from the existing PH directory into the new Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) directory. The PH alias was used for the initial NetID to preserve continuity. Existing PH passwords were also converted to NetID passwords within LDAP.
• By November 1, 2000 we expect to have code ready to generate new NetIDs for new employees and maintain existing NetIDs. This includes notification to requesting systems when NetID information changes.
• The IRIS SAP implementation team has adopted and is incorporating NetID as the authentication means when accessing SAP information. IRIS is expected to become available in spring, 2001. Knoxville, Memphis and Tullahoma staffs will all require NetID authentication when accessing SAP payroll and financial information.

How Does It Work?

The process is based on a centralized directory of all University users. Each user of the University’s computer network will be required to identify themselves to the system by using the correct NetID profile and the associated NetID password. If the combination is correct the user will be considered "authenticated" and authorized to proceed into the requested application. Note that this only provides authentication and does not address at this time the "authorization" that a user must have to view information. Authorization to specific data will continue to be determined by the application.

How Fast Will We Convert To NetID?

Over the next two years University systems will be upgraded to incorporate the NetID authentication step. Initially the NetID and authentication process will be incorporated in new systems. The most significant of these new systems will be the SAP Human Resources and Financial system presently being implemented. The Student Data Warehouse being developed in Knoxville will also require NetID authentication. Over time more existing systems will be converted to the NetID authentication process.

Why Do We Need This?

Information technology is pushing more and more applications to the internet. In order to remain competitive with our peer institutions the University is actively pursuing this same goal. One of the critical aspects of web-based applications is the need to be confident of the identity of the user requesting the service. The LDAP Directory, using the NetID profile and password, will provide the means to confidently authenticate the person before allowing access to any application or seeing any information.

Additionally, the University has long needed a centralized directory that could identify and authenticate valid users on a statewide basis. LDAP and NetID are being developed for ultimate use by all campuses of the greater University system.