Why the Switch to Microsoft EntraID?
Since SMU implemented Single Sign-On (SSO) in 2012 using the Shibboleth identity provider (IdP) to store and verify a user's identity, accessing SMU services has become more efficient by reducing the need to sign in repeatedly to every service. In the nearly ten years since turning on SSO, some improvements have been made with authentication technology to enable new features such as using biometric data, or a PIN, instead of a traditional password to access devices or services. SMU will transition to Microsoft Entra ID as the primary SSO service to take advantage of these enterprise-grade security and management capabilities. The Shibboleth IdP will continue to support many existing SSO integrations but as a subordinate to Entra ID.
SMU ID Numbers and Entra ID
One of the improvements made with the move to Entra ID is the ability to use your NetID as a login. For many, this NetID will match your @smu.edu email address. This change will also remove the ability to use your private SMU ID number as a valid login.
The Future with Entra ID
With Entra ID, OIT will be able to enable several important Microsoft services relevant to the SMU community, including Jamf Connect, Microsoft Intune, and Windows Hello for Business. We do not have a current timeframe for those services coming online, but we will let you know in future updates.
Communication Efforts
A number of communication efforts for this project are planned during the project timeline including surveys, blog posts, and executive summaries and presentations. As the actual implementation progresses, our communication efforts will focused on direct email to impacted users and on this website, as well as our blog (blog.smu.edu/itconnect) and newsletters. As we get closer to launch, communications to employees within each area will be provided in addition to training and workshop opportunities. Regular updates to Governance and Executive Leaders will also be facilitated.
- A campus-wide email will be sent approximately one month and one week prior. A blog post will be posted and shared in the OIT Newsletter at this time.
- A campus-wide will be sent the day prior to the enabling of Entra ID.
- A final message will be sent to confirm completion of the enabling of Entra ID.
For questions and comments about the Entra ID Implementation Project, please contact the project manager, Shanta Ball, at smball@smu.edu .