Life After Sponsorship – What’s Next for TTP and the Academic IT Community?

The announcement that OpenText will be concluding its sponsorship of the Technology Transfer Partners (TTP) network has undoubtedly created a stir within the academic IT community. For years, TTP has served as a vital hub, fostering connections, facilitating the exchange of technical expertise, and providing unbiased information for education professionals. 

As this chapter closes, the question on everyone’s mind is: what comes next? While the departure of a long-standing sponsor is a significant shift, it also presents a unique opportunity for the academic IT community to redefine its future, especially in critical areas like cybersecurity for education. 

This article will navigate the upcoming transition for TTP, explore how institutions can adapt to this new landscape, and underscore why continued connection and collaboration are paramount for success in this evolving environment.

What Is the Relevance of TTP in Education?

For years, TTP has been a valuable asset to schools, colleges, and universities, to network with IT professionals and stay ahead of industry trends. Through its vendor-neutral workshops, forums, and subject matter expert resources, TTP allowed educational institutions to develop best practices in IT systems, particularly identity and security solutions. These gave the schools improved operations, enhanced data security, and effective IT strategies.

TTP’s value was particularly robust in the following respects:

• Vendor-neutrality – TTP’s neutrality allowed institutions to explore a variety of solutions without being tied to the agenda of any single vendor.
• Best Practices Development – Institutions were able to guide their IT strategies by applying industry best practices for operating fundamental systems, particularly in security and user identity management.
• Impact on Identity & Security Solutions – TTP played a crucial role in the acceptance and deployment of identity management solutions like NetIQ that were at the heart of academic system security and the protection of student and faculty data.

What the End of OpenText’s Sponsorship Means

OpenText terminating sponsorship is a point of no return for TTP and membership. The community-supported resources that were once offered at no charge, such as vendor-sponsored workshops, expert forums, and educational resources, will no longer be maintained to the same degree. This has an immediate as well as an ultimate impact on educational institutions in several ways.

Immediate Impact – Loss of Free Resources

For the majority of learning institutions, OpenText sponsorship of TTP opened doors to quality resources at no cost. They included:

• Technical Workshops – Hands-on training with experts from various fields of IT, particularly in security, cloud solutions, and identity management.
• Community Insights – Real-world solution and best practice discussions by peers and experts that helped institutions overcome issues common to many in the education sector.
• Access to Innovative Solutions – Knowledge of products like NetIQ that have played a significant role in securing learning environments.

Without the support of OpenText, such resources could become scarce or less accessible. Free workshops and community interaction that were once the norm could now come at the cost of paid participation, which might be challenging for institutions that are already experiencing budget reductions.

Impact on Collaboration

This cancellation of sponsorship by OpenText also foreshadows the future of collaboration within the TTP network. Sponsored events and community discussion facilitation were valuable venues for peer networking and collaborative problem-solving. As these channels shut down, the academic IT community may become less coherent and more fragmented. Institutions will have to find new ways of continuing collaboration and sharing ideas.

Long-Term Consequences

As the TTP community must learn to survive without the backing of OpenText, universities must consider how to bridge the gap that has been created. While TTP is occupied with examining new models to continue to recruit its community, the loss of sponsorship might lead institutions to seek alternative, perhaps more responsive, support networks.

Adapting in the Face of Change

While OpenText’s withdrawal of TTP sponsorship is a disappointment, it also presents an opportunity for schools to rethink their engagement with the broader IT community. In a climate already characterized by diminishing budgets and rising financial pressures, adapting to this change entails strategic planning and foresight. Here are ways that institutions are considering adapting in the face of change:

Seek New Partnerships

While OpenText sponsorship was one of the critical success factors for TTP, it is not the only option. Schools and universities should attempt to form alliances with emerging IT solution providers and vendors who can provide tailored support for their unique needs. Look for organizations that:

• Provide community-supported support, including technical support, forums, and networking.
• Have low-cost, flexible pricing models that take into account the budget constraints of schools and universities.
• Focus on educational technology solutions that offer scalability and security, particularly in areas like cloud infrastructure and identity management.

Leverage Peer Networks and Professional Associations

Instead of solely relying on vendor-sponsored platforms, educational institutions should actively seek out peer networks and professional associations. These groups often offer valuable insights and networking opportunities without the heavy sponsorship dependencies of platforms like TTP. Some potential options include:

• Regional IT and Education Forums – Most cities and regions also have local chapters of IT professionals in education that get together regularly for workshops, webinars, and networking.
• Professional Organizations – Organizations such as EDUCAUSE and the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) offer resources, conferences, and the ability to work with other institutions that are struggling with the same issues.

Keep Up to Date on IT Trends

You need to keep yourself aware of the latest trends and emerging technologies in education IT. The organizations need to keep themselves updated with developments such as:

• Cloud Solutions – Cloud-based services offer educational institutions scalable and cost-effective means to host their IT infrastructure and data.
• Identity Management and Security – With cybersecurity threats still on the increase, IAM solutions remain vital to safeguarding student, faculty, and institutional data.
• AI and Automation in Education – AI-driven tools and automation can be leveraged to streamline administrative tasks and enhance the student experience.

Colleges and universities can subscribe to reputable industry magazines like Wired or TechNewsWorld to get access to analysis from experts, research reports, and case studies showing what other institutions are doing to adapt to the latest trends.

Staying Connected, Staying Secure

During a time when cybersecurity threats don’t remain static, securing schools is more critical than ever. While the loss of TTP assets can reduce immediate access to training and vendor support, the need for strong security solutions, particularly in identity and access management (IAM), does not waver.

Get Involved with IT Integrators

Schools can collaborate with experienced IT integrators to fill the gap that TTP’s withdrawal has created. IT integrators specialize in providing tailored solutions to schools so that their IT infrastructure is secure and optimized despite lesser access to shared resources.

Collaborating with integrators offers several benefits:

• Expert guidance – Experienced integrators know the unique challenges of schools and can provide specific advice on how to get the most out of security measures. 
• Seamless Integration – Integrators can help institutions implement complex solutions without disrupting their existing systems.

Invest in IAM Solutions

IAM remains at the forefront of locking down schools. With changing cyber threats, it is critical to have in place strong, scalable IAM solutions to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance. Schools need to:

• Prioritize IAM – Implement IAM solutions that are flexible enough to expand with the growing demands of the school environment.
• Seek Ongoing Guidance – Even though TTP is not offering IAM resources anymore, institutions can still benefit from seeking guidance from experts through vendor forums, professional associations, or third-party consultancies.

Leverage Automation in IAM Solutions

Institutions need to integrate automation into their IAM environment to streamline tasks like user provisioning and password management. This reduces administrative loads, removes errors linked with human intervention, and delivers timely, accurate access control.

Implement Scalable Solutions

Adopt IAM solutions that will grow with the institution’s needs. Scalable solutions offer the agility to manage increasing users, devices, and data without compromising security.

Moving Forward, Together

The end of OpenText’s sponsorship signifies not an end, but a transformation for the TTP network and the academic IT community. This is an opportunity to reshape how you connect, learn, and build resilient IT infrastructure.

Navigating this evolution doesn’t have to be a solo journey. With the right partners and experienced guidance, your institution can not only adapt but thrive.

Ready to navigate the changing academic IT landscape? 

At Concensus Technologies, we’re equipped with the expertise and tailored solutions to ensure your institution stays connected, secure, and future-ready. Don’t navigate this new landscape alone. Contact us today to explore how we can empower your institution to thrive amidst this exciting change.