The Opportunity
Currently, the identity and access management (IAM) landscape at HBS is complicated with manual processes, custom solutions, and isolated systems. Users are burdened with maintaining multiple sets of credentials to access different resources and tools, slowing them down, inhibiting collaboration, and causing frustration.
The Solution
The Federated IAM Program is centered on delivering a frictionless experience for learners, faculty, and staff as they navigate between HBS and Harvard University content and platforms.
The introduction of single-sign-on eliminates the need for multiple credentials across systems, simplifying the user experience and enhancing security. Our efforts to streamline user provisioning involve standardizing account lifecycle management across HBS and establishing a reliable source for identity data, governance, and administration. Furthermore, we are modernizing IAM infrastructure by implementing tools and practices that adhere to industry best practices for higher education, ensuring a secure, collaborative, and user-friendly environment.
The Impact
The Federated IAM Program will transform the user experience and streamline identity management. Federated login will provide a frictionless experience for users, allowing seamless access across HBS and Harvard University departments. With robust self-service capabilities, access management will welcome new users effortlessly. Meanwhile, administrators will gain enhanced visibility of access rights, coupled with a more flexible and scalable technical backend. This isn't just an upgrade; it's a game-changer.
As Ryan Frazier, Managing Director of Technology at HBS Online and Executive Education, puts it: "While 'identity services' doesn't sound like the most exciting project, it's really one of the most important technical foundations. If you can't quickly set up a simple, secure login for new tools, you can't move fast as an organization and will frustrate your users. This is such an empowering project for the School and will create many benefits over the years, even if they aren't always obvious."
The Federated IAM Program is more than just an IT project; it’s a strategic endeavor that will create a more connected, efficient, and user-friendly environment at HBS and across Harvard University. It represents a giant leap toward a future where technology works seamlessly in the background, empowering users to achieve more with less hassle.
Strategic Plan Reference: 2.06 Federated Identity & Access Management (IAM)