University at Buffalo (UB)
Using UB InfoSource? New upgrades require action
Published July 22, 2019
Starting August 3, 2019, UB InfoSource is being upgraded for better security and supportability. If you currently use UB InfoSource, talk to your IT support staff about how to prepare for the new version.
What do I need to do to prepare?
To ensure an easy transition to the latest version of UB InfoSource:
- Change your UB InfoSource password. The newer database version will not work with passwords created for older versions.
- Download and install the latest version of the Oracle database clientavailable on the UBIT website. Versions 11.2.0.4 or higher are supported. You can find instructions for installing the Oracle database client on the UBIT website.
- Ensure that you are using an updated TNSNames.ora file. See the bottom of the Oracle Client installation instructions for more information.
Who can help with these changes?
Your IT support staff can answer questions and help you prepare for the upcoming changes to UB InfoSource.
What is changing?
During this upgrade, two significant changes will be made to UB InfoSource’s hosting and hardware environment:
- The Oracle database supporting UB InfoSource will be upgraded from version 11.2.0.4 to version 12.2.0.1
- Character sets in the database will be changed to Unicode AL32UTF8
- Newer encryption protocols will be enabled to protect in-flight data
These changes ensure that UB’s version of InfoSource is up to the latest industry and security standards.
What is UB InfoSource?
UB InfoSource enables UB staff to query and report on institutional data from a variety of resources. It is a data delivery mechanism based on an Oracle database, which includes information from multiple production databases. The information is read-only and cannot be changed.