The Office of Administrative Systems (OAS) reports that automated administrative functions can now be packaged as Web services and accessed by departmental computer systems using AXIS.
AXIS or AIS XML Information Server, is a set of tools for managing and facilitating the exchange of information between various departmental computing systems and Penn State's central Administrative Information Systems (AIS) Database. Currently, several project teams are building applications that will access the AIS Database via AXIS.
For example, the Human Resources Development Center is developing a Web registration system with Cold Fusion that will validate account numbers using AXIS. Financial Aid is developing a loan scholarship application also using AXIS in conjunction with Cold Fusion to update data in the Integrated Student Information System (ISIS).
Angel, the new course management system, and the newly developed employee vacation cards are other services now retrieving information using the AXIS Information Server.
Finally, as part of the Web Integrated Business Information System (IBIS) project, all IBIS functions are being converted to Web services that can be accessed from any Web application using AXIS. For more information about the AXIS project see the preliminary Web site at: http://atsc44.oas.psu.edu/axis