Version 3 of Shibboleth Identity Provider (IdP) software , 3.X, has been released. Previous versions of Shibboleth IdP software, including version 2.4.1, has completed its End-of-Life was released earlier this year, replacing the popular V2 version which completed an end-of-life process on July 31, 2016. No further security updates or support for bug-fixes will be available provided for version 2 at this time; however, version 3 is backwards compatible with v2. Shibboleth Version 2.X.

The CCC Technology Center (CCCTC) is upgrading the OpenCCC student gateway IdP to Shibboleth (Shibboleth v.2.4.1, to version 3.X on September 29, 2016.

Mini-Grant Funding Available for Shibboleth v3 Upgrade

One of the requirements for membership in the California Community Colleges Single Sign-on Initiative (CCC SSO Federation) will be required to upgrade A requirement for membership in the CCC SSO Federation initiative, California Community Colleges will be required to upgrade their current 2.X version of Shibboleth Identity provider software to version 3.X in order to participate. In an effort to support participating colleges* a mini-grant program has been established to provide up to $5,000.00 in support, specifically for the purpose of upgrading to the latest version..  Click here to see the requirements for participation and apply for a mini-grant of $to support this colleges that choose to upgrade now funding support 

The new Shibboleth IdP version 3.X includes many features and enhancements 1) on September 30 as part of a planned mid-year release (5.5). The CCCApply staff IdP - which provides staff single sign-on (SSO) capability to the CCCApply Administrator and CCC Report Center, - is also being upgraded to version 3.1.

Upgrade to Shibboleth Version 3 Today!

Colleges participating in one or more of the statewide technology initiatives will need to go through a readiness process to ensure that their campus system is compatible with the statewide IdP. This includes aligning the IdP and associated applications to support integration with statewide authentication services (SSO) for students and staff.

Colleges that have only one IdP configured for staff (i.e. Shibboleth 2.X for the CCCApply Administrator & Report Center) will be required to upgrade to Shibboleth version 3 in order to facilitate authentication capability for students, as well as admins and staff .

Failure to upgrade to the latest version 3.X of the Shibboleth Identity Provider software IdP could result in users and IT staff losing access to online federated apps and learning resources following the End-of-Life date. 9STAR team advises all organizations that are currently using the Shibboleth Identity Provider software, that they upgrade to the latest Shibboleth Identity Provider software version 3.X. The new Shibboleth IdP version 3.X includes many features and enhancements that provide:

• Improved security.
• Ease of management and configuration.
• Greater inter-operability with apps.

Existing and new customers of 9STAR can request upgrade of their Shibboleth Identity Provider infrastructure by simply signing up with one of the annual Shibboleth support and maintenance plans. 9STAR’s Shibboleth experts help reduce risk, cost and downtime and seamlessly upgrade customers existing Shibboleth Single Sign-On infrastructure in just few days. So hurry and get your free online complimentary quote today and get annual support coverage for your Shibboleth infrastructure.

Please contact sales@9starinc.com for guidance and additional information. In addition, 9STAR’sElastic SSO SAML Solution customers can request upgrade by simply contacting their account executive or 9STAR’s technical support team directly.students losing access to secure CCC web applications within the CCC SSO Initiative, including the new student services portal, MyPath; the common assessment system, CCCAssess; the Hobson's suite of Ed Planning tools; and Canvas, the statewide course management system (CMS).

Benefits of Upgrading 

The CCCTC recommends that all colleges using Shibboleth Identity Provider software upgrade to the latest version 3.X in order to take advantage of the many benefits and enhancements it provides: 

• Improved security
• Ease of use and configuration
• Decrease in Help Desk calls - fewer passwords to remember
• Increased student productivity
• Inter-operability and integration with CCC applications

Get Started on Shibboleth Upgrade

Colleges can choose to upgrade Shibboleth on their own (DIY), or work with an approved vendor on this implementation.  

NOTE: Working with an approved vendor may affect your project timeline. Vendors are working with colleges on a first-come, first-serve basis; however project pilot colleges may be prioritized depending on the project timeline. Find out more about working with an approved vendor to facilitate your Shibboleth Upgrade. Contact Patricia Donohue, Product Manager, pdonohue@ccctechcenter.org. 

Do you have more questions?

Additional information is available for the Shibboleth V3 upgrade and the CCC SSO Initiative. If you are a pilot college for a CCC technology initiative, please contact your Project Manager. You can also contact Patricia Donohue, pdonohue@ccctechcenter.org, for assistance, or post a comment or question on CCCTechnology.info.