Single Sign-On

The term single sign-on(SSO)  is thrown around so often during ERP implementations, especially Portal implementations. However, I’ve found that many don’t have a firm understanding of what it is and what it means. So I wanted to pause and take note of some of the misconceptions surrounding SSO in regards to PeopleSoft.

• PeopleTools (the technology that underlies all PeopleSoft applications) delivers the ability to configure SSO between PeopleSoft applications. This does not require that the applications be on the same PeopleTools release nor does it require the Enterprise Portal application.  The two requirements are that the PeopleSoft applications be configures to as trusted nodes to one and other, and that the User ID (a.k.a – OPRID, OperatorID) be the same.
• PeopleSoft does have an API for third party SSO. However, it will take a bit of coding on the third party system to make this happen… sometimes this can prove to be a lot of work, that depends on the non-PeopleSoft system
• Many 3rd Party SSO products are out in the market. Implementation of these products has proven costly; but in the right environment well worth it.
• The SSO that PeopleSoft delivers via PeopleTools is web SSO.  Desktop or windows login to PeopleSoft SSO is not out of the box, nor is it simple. It is possible, however, many question the increase in security risks associated with doing something like this. I’ve had previous clients that have spent considerable money and time implementing desktop to PeopleSoft SSO only to have to pull it from production after an IT audit flagged it as a security risk.
• Use of an LDAP products such as Active Directory for PeopleSoft authenication is not SSO.

Giving Due Credit

You’ll see in my blog roll a link to Rich Manalang’s blog – manalang.com. His blog entries on AJAX and Monkeygrease are really what sparked my interest in exploring enhancing PeopleSoft Applications with AJAX.

His blog gives a good example of how to take a PeopleSoft form and add AJAX to improve usability. Check out his posting on adding live search to a PeopleSoft Enterprise Application . His posting is using his server filter Monkey Grease, which enables him to inject the Java-Script without having to customize the search form.

If you follow Rich’s instructions, you will see the power of AJAX and PeopleSoft… However, when I followed his instructions with my Enterprise Portal application (v 8.9), the AJAX search results were different then the search results returned by delivered PeopleSoft search functionality. I had to re-write the IScript to call the search Application Package, which uses the search index group and the security filters used by the application. Once that was completed the AJAX search worked perfectly.

Live Employee Seach Directory

I’ve used verity search in combination with AJAX to enhance the company directory feature in PeopleSoft HCM. This customization allows users to search for employees based on a number of different data elements such as department name, employee name and phone numbers.

Click here to see a flash video demo:

http://s98964087.onlinehome.us/employee_search.htm

PeopleSoft & AJAX

Recently, I’ve been spending a lot of time playing with AJAX and PeopleSoft to improve usability.  While this isn’t a new thing, I haven’t seen too many examples posted on the web.  In the coming days, I’ll be posting a few examples of some of the proof of concept work, I’ve been developing… stay tuned!

Congrats to the BSkyB Portal Team

Last year, I was fortunate enough to be apart of a very successful and smooth portal implementation. The client was BSkyB (British Sky Broadcasting). The project team was based in 3 different locations spanning 2 countries (Scotland & England). I learned recently that in November of 2006, the BSkyB team was awarded the Vizual Business Tools Award for Excellence in HR Through Technology. Furthermore, their People Portal (PeopleSoft Enterprise Portal) and e-services (various Employee / Manager Self-Service modules from PeopleSoft HCM) have lived up to their promises and are currently on track to deliver the expected ROI in under two years!

Congratulations to everyone involved in BSkyB’s People Portal implementation!

http://www.personneltoday.com/Articles/2006/11/28/38326/hrs-stars-are-unveiled.html