There are two things that come immediately to mind. First, we often require registration where it isn't required. This happens most frequently in ecommerce where the benefits (remembering credit card info or address info, or what one purchased) may not equate to the hassle of having to log in to purchase something. So, sometimes, in some circumstances, you can simply have fewer places where that is required.
Second, for some systems you have the option of handling access control separately. The new "OpenID" system provides a way for a person to register once, at one location, and then use that name/password to log into any site on which s/he is registered. Or, for local systems, an LDAP system can be used as a sort of "login" server. Increasingly, some of the web-enabled applications do more. Blackbaud has web modules to handle e-commerce, for instance (actually gateways to other providers, but requiring only the single sign-on). We're currently switching our older systems to DonorPerfect, which also provides such gateways. That, too, helps cut down on the number. I think use of OpenID, or, failing that, LDAP, is incredibly important. Neither members, nor even staff, ever seem to understand or be sympathetic to the problems caused by multiple logins. ari On Feb 7, 2008 8:12 AM, Patrick <trashbin1954 at yahoo.com> wrote: > Hi folks, > > Here's our situation (and I'll bet it is similar for many of you): > > Like everyone, we're trying to offer more of our services online. To > date, we have an online ecommerce system (xcart) and an online hosted > ticketing system (Gateway). We will soon have an online education > registration system (Semtek) and are contemplating an online member portal > (Raisers Edge). Each system is pretty much standalone so there is the > potential for a given member to have 4 separate accounts, each with > different account names, credentials, etc. You can see where the messiness > comes in for our members and customers. > > My research so far has revealed solutions for managing more homogenous > environments (such as internal employee user accounts) but nothing that can > herd the member cats. Has anyone addressed this problem for cultural > institutions and would like to share thoughts? All help appreciated. Thanks > in advance, > > Patrick Clancy > Director of Information Technology > The New York Botanical Garden > > > > > --------------------------------- > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage. > _______________________________________________ > You are currently subscribed to mcn-l, the listserv of the Museum Computer > Network (http://www.mcn.edu) > > To post to this list, send messages to: mcn-l at mcn.edu > > To unsubscribe or change mcn-l delivery options visit: > http://toronto.mediatrope.com/mailman/listinfo/mcn-l >
