Publication Date: August 6, 2001
Author: CPS | Central Processing System
Summary: SFA to the Internet Communication #7
Posted on August 6, 2001
SFA is pleased to share the seventh communication on SFA to the Internet migration!
SFA to the Internet migration news: The implementation schedule has been slightly adjusted to fully test and deliver a quality product. Our school partners also reminded us that August was a busy time for them. The schedule adjustments are shown below.
9/2/01 – 9/5/01 – SFA Application Systems Migrate to SFA to the Internet
9/6/01 – 9/14/01 – Early Adopters Migrate to SFA to the Internet
9/17/01 – 12/18/01 – All Users Migrate to SFA to the Internet
We appreciate the overwhelming response to our call for Early Adopters. From this point forward, volunteers will be placed on an Early Adopter stand-by list by contacting CPS/WAN Technical Support at (800) 330-5947, or e-mailing to cpswan@ncs.com.
The following questions are answered in this communication:
- I currently use EDconnect to send and receive data. What will be the process to migrate to the Internet?
- What is OSM and how will it help me?
- What happens if I send out data using EDconnect Version 4.x after I have migrated to SAIG?
I currently use EDconnect to send and receive data. What will be the process to migrate to the Internet?
Migration to the SAIG new mailbox system is easy. It must be noted that a full installation of EDconnect 5.0.0 is necessary, not just an upgrade. A general description of the necessary steps is listed below:
Step One: Download the Internet Release of EDconnect 5.0.0 from SFAdownload.ed.gov.
Step Two: Perform a full installation of EDconnect 5.0.0. This will create a new directory but will not overwrite the previous version of EDconnect.
Step Three: Follow the normal software setup procedures including your TG ID and ISP. You will also be asked to perform the initial password change to the SAIG mailbox and perform a "Transmission Test".
Step Four: When all workstation testing has been completed, you are ready to migrate. Just log into SFAwebenroll.ed.gov. Click the "Student Aid Internet Gateway Migration" link whereupon you will be asked to provide your destination point identifiers. These include your TG ID, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, and Mother’s Maiden Name. You will then be asked to verify that you are ready to migrate.
Step Five: A message will be displayed informing you that the migration was successful.
What is OSM and how will it help me?
OSM (On-line Secure Manager) is a Web-based system that allows you to query status information on batches you have sent or received on the new SAIG mailbox system. It replaces the current mainframe-based on-line query system. You will be able to verify if there is data in your mailbox on any given day. You will have the ability to verify that a file you sent has reached the network. This system will give you the ability to reconcile your data transmissions.
This query system uses your Internet browser. We recommend you use Internet Explorer. Instructions for the query system will be available through the use of the SAIG Desk Reference Guide and the OSM User Guide. These guides will be available on the SFAdownload Web site when migration begins.
What happens if I send out data using EDconnect Version 4.x after I have migrated to SAIG?
After you have successfully migrated, files sent using the previous version of EDconnect would be delivered to the new SAIG mailbox. Retrieval of the data will require the use of EDconnect 5.0.0.
How do I find out more about this project?
We will continue to send out communications twice a month through the end of August 2001. Communications will be sent weekly during the migration process. Each communication will be entitled "SFA to the Internet Status Update". If you happen to miss any of the updates, all information can be found at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/sfatech/sfafaq.html. We encourage you to bookmark this location.
You can also access this Web site from the School Portal (http://fsa4schools.ed.gov/SCHOOLSWebApp/index.jsp), 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 e-mail at cpswan@ncs.com. There is no charge for this service.