Directory Integration Management Services

The DIMS service provides secure, monitored, automated processes to eliminate time consuming, repetitive manual tasks and to maintain consistent information.   A primary use of DIMS is centralized administration of users' identities and entitlements, authentication and authorization from the district financial management system to applications such as Active Directory.  Multiple formats are supported for both source and target information and multiple sources can be merged. DIMS can also be used for populating other target systems, for example: automated notification systems. The automated processes may be scheduled to run daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, or on request as needed. Multiple source and target repositories are supported: Network Authentication/Directories (Active Directory, eDirectory, Open Directory) Email Financial system (Wincap, alio, or Finance Manager) Databases Excel formatted for Import/Export And more This service does not provide password synchronization.  The related service, Active Directory User/Password Management 650.902 is needed for Active Directory identity management. Data can be: Filtered Verified for validity Modified for consistency Missing information populated Modified for application dependencies Merged from multiple sources Used to create new fields or policies Customization and maintenance to any existing connectors of up to 3 hours is included in the yearly fee. Additional updates beyond that amount may be purchased for an hourly fee in the customization service. The DIMS service was created to compliment our SIF service which deals with student information by offering integration of staff data. Please refer to related service code 650.893 for full service details.

The district must participate in planning and status meetings. The district must provide access to necessary staff to evaluate current processes and sample data. The district must verify attribute mappings once completed by our technicians. The district must review and approve the comparison files. The district must update their source system in a timely manner and include fields required for the extract. The district must notify the WNYRIC of demographic changes and new entrants during the initialization period. The district must designate a primary contact who will receive error notifications and correct them as necessary The district is responsible for normal backup procedures for all data sources.

WNYRIC staff will assist in identification and verification of the identity source feed, needed attributes, formats and verification methods. WNYRIC staff will create needed connectors and map attributes. WNYRIC staff will maintain connector software licensing and updates, and 24 x 7 vendor support. WNYRIC staff will maintain and backup the DIMS server and all connectors. The WNYRIC staff monitors this process each business day and will notify the district contact in the event of any problems. WNYRIC staff will maintain data security and confidentiality.  Staff follow best practices in order to provide necessary security as it relates to the most recent student data security and privacy regulations. The DIMS server equipment is located in a secure data center equipped with 24x7 monitoring and backup power supplies. WNYRIC staff will notify the district of any upgrades or changes to the DIMS connectors prior to installation. WNYRIC staff will email the district DIMS Coordinator, the technology coordinator and designated member(s) of configuration status. WNYRIC staff will deactivate the DIMS connectors when notified by the Coordinator. WNYRIC staff will reactivate the DIMS connectors when notified and synchronize DIMS to refresh the data.  

The WNYRIC utilizes cost effective best practices determined by research that allows our experienced and trained technical staff to perform robust testing and support of the WNYRIC network in the areas of security, infrastructure, energy management, virtualization strategies, disaster recovery and business continuity. Therefore, we are able to be a district advocate for vendor contract issues and aggressively negotiate contract pricing and performance terms.

Staff follows best practices in order to provide necessary security as it relates to the most recent student, teacher and principal data security and privacy regulations.

Service Desk can be reached Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by calling (716) 821-7171, 1-800-872-0780, by email at servicedesk@e1b.org, or via live chat by clicking here. A representative will be available from 4:30 p.m. through 11:00 p.m. to assist you with calls regarding emergency situations. During all other hours and holidays, a caller will receive important information regarding coverage.