Web-based User Management Package
Sponsor Information:

Deborah Lee Soltesz, dsoltesz@usgs.gov
Stuart C. Sides, ssides@usgs.gov
US Geological Survey, 2255 N. Gemini Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Here is the Powerpoint presentation Deb gave on this project

Project Overview:

Several in-house projects are planned or underway that need user login, account management, and user interface customization. A generic, database driven user management package that centralizes user information, authenticates users entering from any of a number of web-based applications, and can contain application-specific user information (such as privileges, queue priority, and style sheet preferences) is needed. The package will need to have a stand-alone web-based user interface so users and administrators can access accounts, and have an application interface other applications can use to authenticate users and retrieve user information. Password security is an important consideration.
Prerequisites:

Required: Ability to read and code Java and HTML 4.0 (minimum). Sufficient knowledge of databases to learn, configure, and set up a mySQL-compatible database.Useful: Understanding of designing for accessibility (specifically in regards to the Federal Rehabilitation Act 1998 Amendments, Section 508). Ability to design and implement Java Servlets and Java Server Pages using Tomcat. Understanding of Apache/NCSA web server.

Optional: Ability to read and code JavaScript.
Equipment Requirements:

Because Java and SQL are fairly platform independent and Apache is available for a variety of platforms, the team only needs access to any machine with these software resources available. If time allows, the final product will be installed on the USGS TerraWeb web server for testing and final demonstrations.The target system is a Dell PowerEdge 2400 running SuSE Linux, Tomcat, and Apache.
Deliverables:

The team is expected to deliver:

  • a working, maintainable, scalable package that is a solution to the stated problem;
  • well documented code;
  • manuals for programmers, system/database/web administrators;
  • and online, context-sensitive help;

A demonstration of the package should include a secondary web application that uses the package for authentication before allowing the user to access to content, as well as a demonstration of the stand-alone user management functionality.

Electronic delivery of all documentation in PDF, HTML, or Microsoft Word is preferred. Documentation and reports should be formatted so they will make usable two-sided hardcopies, are readable on a computer screen, and can easily be converted for use on a 16-bit color personal digital assistant whenever possible.

All deliverables should follow basic accessibility standards that will allow us to use and distribute the information, maintaining compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Amendments of 1998, Section 508.