Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is one of the areas of focus for DoIT in providing UMBC with cost-effective and timely use of technology. This page will provide an overview of some resources for the campus.  The USM security guidelines and legislative audit require that all cloud services meet the same security and audit requirements as if the service was run on site. As a result, DoIT works closely with procurement and legal services to review all cloud service applications to ensure they meet applicable requirements and regulations, such as FERPA. Click here for information on UMBC Software Reviews. This covers both on-premise and cloud software.

UMBC requires that cloud services that will be used for self-service by faculty, staff, or students must support our campus single sign-on (SSO). The SSO is compatible with services found on the InCommon participant web site, under Service Providers. Presently, there are over 238 services listed here. Some companies support InCommon but are not members, so this list is not inclusive.

UMBC is an active participant in the Internet2 NET+ program. The NET+ program is a program that the 250+ universities that are part of Internet2 started to advance the use of cloud services on campus. The services offered among the NET+ program are certain to have strong pricing, proper security, support for InCommon, and contractual language that works for higher education. The listing of services can be found at http://www.internet2.edu/cloud-services/,

Presently, there are over one hundred Software-as-a-Service applications in use at UMBC, a number of the most notable services are: Amazon Web Services, Blackboard, Box, Cashnet, Duo, Digital Measures, Google Apps for Education, Microsoft Office 365, Interfolio, CareerWorks, Parking, and many more.