uMobile 1.1 RC1 Gets Performance Improvements, Shibboleth Authentication

Jasig, a global consortium of educational institutions and commercial affiliates that sponsors open source software projects for higher education, has posted the first release candidate of uMobile 1.1. uMobile is an open source initiative to help educational institutions provide access to applications, media, and other data on mobile devices.

Jasig describes uMobile as "an enterprise framework for distributing personalized, role-based content in a mobile environment." It consists of two main components: a server application and client applications. The server application provides Web-based access to content. Optional client apps are available for iOS and Android devices. uMobile modules include a calendar and an RSS or Atom-based news feed, as well as video, directory, search, and map capabilities.

The uMobile platform enables students, faculty, staff, and alumni to access personalized information through their mobile device. It provides persistent authentication and single-sign-on (SSO) capabilities and remembers user preferences across sessions. uMobile also includes an unauthenticated guest mode for prospective students and campus visitors. uMobile presents users with customized content based on user identity and group information.

Administrative tools enable IT staff to delegate administrative tasks, create content, monitor resources, and troubleshoot problems. According to Jasig, "uMobile ships with well-test libraries capable of consuming user attribute and group information from popular campus data stores, including LDAP, Active Directory, Grouper, and custom databases."

New features in uMobile 1.1 include:

  • Performance improvements;
  • Map categories and browsing;
  • Shibboleth authentication, a standards-based, open-source software package for Web single sign-on across or within organizational boundaries;
  • Alternate list-based home screen view;
  • Intra-module links that display map and directory information; and
  • New content modules, including dining hall menus, sports scores and news, computer lab availability, and laundry machine availability.

Contributing institutions to the uMobile project include Cornell University, Oakland University, Southwestern University, Ohio University, Unicon, University of Hull, University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin, and Yale University.

The uMobile 1.1 Release Candidate 1 is available for download now. Further information is available on the Jasig site.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • three main icons—a cloud, a user profile, and a padlock—connected by circuit lines on a blue abstract background

    Report: Identity Has Become a Critical Security Perimeter for Cloud Services

    A new threat landscape report points to new cloud vulnerabilities. According to the 2025 Global Threat Landscape Report from Fortinet, while misconfigured cloud storage buckets were once a prime vector for cybersecurity exploits, other cloud missteps are gaining focus.

  • AI microchip, a cybersecurity shield with a lock, a dollar coin, and a laptop with financial graphs connected by dotted lines

    Survey: Generative AI Surpasses Cybersecurity in 2025 Tech Budgets

    Global IT leaders are placing bigger bets on generative artificial intelligence than cybersecurity in 2025, according to new research by Amazon Web Services (AWS).

  • Stylized illustration showing cybersecurity elements like shields, padlocks, and secure cloud icons on a neutral, minimalist digital background

    Microsoft Announces Security Advancements

    Microsoft has announced major security advancements across its product portfolio and practices. The work is part of its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multiyear cybersecurity transformation the company calls the largest engineering project in company history.

  • glowing digital document floats above a laptop, surrounded by soft, flowing tech-inspired lines and geometric shapes in shades of blue and white

    Boston U Expands AllCampus Partnership with New Non-Credit Certificate Programs

    Boston University Metropolitan College's Center for Professional Education has expanded its relationship with online program management provider AllCampus. The agreement will extend support for BU's existing online Paralegal Studies Program and add new non-credit certificates in financial planning, professional fundraising, and genealogical studies.