Banner Information System
General FAQs for Banner 7
What does going from Banner 6 to Banner 7 mean?
Banner is a software application written by SCT that uses an Oracle database to gather, store and present information through forms, reports and web self service (UNCGenie). Every 18-24 months the vendor (SCT) releases a new major version to deliver functional and technical improvements to Banner. UNCG must implement these versions to retain support from the vendor and to remain in compliance with Federal Regulations (i.e. Financial Aid).
Why does Banner need to be down so long?
Banner has a number of modules, General, Student, Financial Aid, Accounts Receivable, Advancement, Finance and Human Resources. Each of these modules contains 100's of forms (screens), that store data in 100's of tables. With the change from Banner 6 to Banner 7, over 2,000 forms are changing, and a number of other tables and programs are being updated. This work must be performed while no one is logged into the system. Additionally Banner 7 introduces a new way to store curriculum (degree/major) data which requires that data be converted from the old format to the new. This update alone will take in excess of 10 hours.
By taking Banner down at 7pm on Friday, IT staff can work around the clock over the weekend to implement the changes and run the curriculum conversion. Then IT staff must verify that a number of related systems properly re-connect to the updated environment. These systems include, UNCGenie, Workflow, Touch Net Payment Gateway, ADS, UnixAFS environment, WebFocus, Application Explorer, I3, NOLIJ and more.
All of this work over the weekend is to prepare the system for Client Acceptance Testing on Monday by a designated set of client representatives. Once they verify that all critical aspects of Banner 7 are functioning, Banner (and Banner based services) will be made available to the campus by 8am Tuesday morning.
Many faculty and some staff are away during Spring Break. Why make the change when people are not here?
Due to University operations and the need for extended downtime, there are limited windows where it is possible to perform a major change like this, with the least amount of risk. The timing was selected to minimize disruption to student services, as well as to precede the planned implementation of Banner Finance in July of 2006.
Will Blackboard be down during this time?
Blackboard itself will remain available as normal with the following exceptions.
- No new student registration data will flow to Blackboard courses during this period. All existing students/faculty in BB and their course associations as of 7pm Friday will be there during this period. Integration will resume when Banner starts back up.
- Password resets MUST BE handled by calling 6-TECH, not via reset.uncg.edu.
What are the changes from Banner 6 to Banner7?
In addition to bug fixes and enhanced functionality the principle differences between Banner 6 and Banner 7 are two fold. First, Banner will be delivered strictly over the web, using a browser such as Internet Explorer. Secondly, there is a new look and feel to Banner 7.
Will the screens change? Do I have to get re-trained?
Banner 7 introduces a new look and feel. Most screen names remain the same but some have added or changed functionality. Enrollment Services offers end user training on Banner [see http://utlc.uncg.edu/workshops/] Click on Banner General Training for offerings.
How will I start up Banner7?
Go to http://inb.uncg.edu (Prior to "Go Live," this link will point to pre-production version of Banner for client testing). Follow the prompts. If you need help see the information at http://banner.uncg.edu/inb/
Will my password change? Do I have to get another account?
No. The Banner password you are currently using will work after the change from Banner 6 to Banner 7 is complete. If you need to reset your Banner password after Banner 7 becomes available, do so via http://reset.uncg.edu. You do not have to get another account to use Banner 7.
Will UNCGenie change?
UNCGenie will have a new look, with tabs at the top, similar to the look of Blackboard. UNCGenie functionality should remain the same.
Will my ODBC connections (for Access Reporting) change?
ODBC Connections rely upon a file called TNSNAMES.ORA. IT will make the appropriate changes to the TNSNAMES.ORA file on the Novell network. Most desktop ODBC connections reference this file and should continue to work normally. If you experience problems with ODBC after the transition is complete, contact 6-TECH.
Will Banner be faster/more reliable under Banner 7?
Application and database performance depend on a number of factors: network speed, server memory, server processor speed and server disk speed among others. Banner 7 is delivered through a web browser. Banner 6 was delivered through "client-server". As the nature of these two delivery methods is different there are a greater number of variables that control the speed at which a web based application performs on an individuals desktop. Some users may experience differences in application "speed". ITS will be closely monitoring performance and work to tune the environment to maximize performance while maintaining the reliability and fail-over capacity introduced with the VMS to Unix transition.
Is this the only change for Banner in the near future?
Actually there are several other exciting changes for Banner over the next two years. These future changes (in no particular order) include:
- Banner Finance: Changing from the existing FRS system to the integrated Banner Finance Module. Go live scheduled for July 2006.
- Operational Data Store (ODS): A data set, refreshed nightly, that will provide faster and easier access to data needed for most reporting by most users.
- Banner HR: Changing from the existing HRS system to the integrated Banner Human Resources Module.