Publication Date: July 19, 2001
Author: SFA Chief Information Office (CIO)
Summary: SFA to the Internet Communication #6
Posted on July 19, 2001
SFA is pleased to bring you the sixth installment of SFA to the Internet migration communication. Development and testing is almost complete and work has begun with the user community. We are also continuing to gather volunteers to be early adopters of the project. To volunteer as an early adopter, contact CPS/WAN Technical Support at (800) 330-5947, or via email at cpswan@ncs.com.
Included in this sixth communication installment:
- Upcoming SFA to the Internet sessions at NASFAA and the August Software Developers Conference.
- What can I do right now to ensure I'm ready to migrate?
- If I have problems downloading EDE software from the SFAdownload Web site, will I have problems connecting to the new SAIG mailbox?
- Will EDconnect version 5.0.0 look any different then previous versions?
Upcoming SFA to the Internet sessions
During the NASFAA conference, July 22-24, in Nashville, TN, SFA will be presenting a session on SFA to the Internet. This session will include an overview of the SFA to the Internet project and migration information for both EDconnect and mainframe/non-PC users. There will also be a preview of the upcoming Web-based query screens. SFA to the Internet staff members will be available to answer your questions. At the SFA booth in the vendors' hall, SFA to the Internet brochures and other fun materials will be available. Please stop by.
A similar presentation will be offered at the August Software Developers Conference, August 9-10, in Arlington, VA. Registration information can be found at http://edeworkshop.walcoff.com/secure/swdAugust.htm.
What can I do right now to ensure I'm ready to migrate?
1. Check to ensure you have an Internet Service Provider that supports TCP/IP.
2. Verify you can connect to the Internet.
3. Ensure that your technical staff provides you with the appropriate access level to download files to the Internet.
4. Confirm that your unique identifiers (Social Security Number, Date of Birth, and Mother's Maiden Name) are accurate via the SAIG enrollment Web site. You will need to provide your unique identifiers to confirm your migration status. To verify these identifiers, log onto https://SFAWebEnroll.ed.gov/T4Enroll/index.jsp. Click on "Check Enrollment Status", type in the five digits of your TG ID, click "Next Page", type in your unique identifiers and click "Next Page". If you are able to see your current enrollment service, your identifiers are accurate. If you were unable to view your enrollment services, you can update your identifiers at the same site.
5. Hold internal discussions regarding when to migrate. This will allow you to plan accordingly.
If I have problems downloading SFA Title IV application software from the SFAdownload Web site will I have problems connecting to the new SAIG mailbox?
Yes, if you currently have security restrictions that do not allow you to download software from the SFAdownload Web site, you will also have problems sending and receiving data via the Internet with the new EDconnect version 5.0.0 software. In order to avoid delays, please ensure that your technical staff provides or updates your Internet connection to the appropriate access level needed to download files.
Will EDconnect version 5.0.0 look any different then previous versions?
You won't notice any significant difference in the way EDconnect looks and feels. The only major change will be that the SAIG Connection Wizard has been eliminated. The Internet version of EDconnect will recognize a direct Internet connection, if you have one, or will allow you to select a connection if you have a dial-up Internet Service Provider.
How do I find out more about this project?
We will continue to send out communications twice a month through the end of July 2001. Communications will be sent out during the migration process. Each communication will be entitled "SFA to the Internet Status Update". If you miss any of the updates, all of this information is posted at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/sfatech/sfafaq.html. We encourage you to bookmark this location.
You can also access this information from the school portal (http://sfa4schools.sfa.ed.gov), SFATECH, or IFAP Web sites.
How will I be supported throughout the migration process?
CPS/WAN Technical Support will be available to support you during your migration process. If you have questions, please contact them at (800) 330-5947, or via email at cpswan@ncs.com. There is no charge for technical support from CPS/WAN Technical Support.