Posted Date:November 18, 2011
Author: | Pamela Eliadis, Service Director, System Operations & Aid Delivery Management, Federal Student Aid |
Subject: SAIG UPGRADE - Preliminary Information About SAIG Upgrade Planned for February 2012 (Updated March 15, 2012)
Note: On March 9, 2012 EDconnect 8.1 was posted to the Federal Student Aid Download (FSAdownload) Web site. EDconnect 8.1 replaces the previous version of the software, EDconnect 8.0, and must be used by all EDconnect users. Refer to the March 15, 2012 electronic announcement for further information.
To comply with mandated government-wide security requirements, and as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the security of the Federal Student Aid data systems, we will implement an upgrade to all components of the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG), including TDNgine, TDClient, TDCommunity Manager (SAIG Portal), and EDconnect. The upgrade is planned for February 2012.
In addition to enhanced encryption standards and improved system security, the upgrade will:
Limit connection to only Federal Student Aid servers
Expand compatibility to additional operating systems (Linux for TDClient users and Windows 7 for EDconnect users)
Integrate EDconnect with the Federal Student Aid’s Access Identity Management System (AIMS)
At this time, there is no immediate action for schools. However, we want to share a high-level overview that summarizes actions that will be required by schools after the February 2012 upgrade.
This upgrade will require all TDClient and EDconnect users to upgrade to TDClient 3.2 and/or EDconnect 8.0. After the release in February 2012, schools will have a specified timeframe during which they will need to make the appropriate changes. If the upgrade is not completed within the timeframe, a school will no longer be able to connect to its SAIG mailbox(es).
The upgrade to EDconnect 8.0 will require all EDconnect users to complete a process that will involve enrolling via the SAIG Enrollment Web site and obtaining an FSA User ID and password.
The installation of EDconnect 8.0 will be different than previous installations as it will require input of enrolled EDconnect user information as part of the installation process.
At the time of the upgrade, we will also release an updated message class table.
We will provide more detailed information about the actions that will be required by schools in forthcoming communications posted on the Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP) Web site. Please continue to monitor the IFAP Web site for these communications.
Contact Information
We look forward to working with you and appreciate your patience as we implement the upgrade to all components of the SAIG.
If you have any questions about this information, contact CPS/SAIG Technical Support at 800/330-5947 (TDD/TTY 800/511-5806) or by e-mail at CPSSAIG@ed.gov.