IT

Glossary

Computer systems tend to have their own specialized and sometimes rather technical vocabularies, and Banner is no exception. The following words and phrases may be useful to you as you navigate this web site, as you become more familiar with Banner, and as you interact with the project team. The glossary will be updated regularly, to reflect the needs of Oakton users.

Banner	The vendor’s name for the software package that we are implementing at Oakton as the basis for our new student records and information system. This system will replace the current OakSTAR system.
Conversion	The extracting, manipulation, editing, manual review, and then loading of existing data to a new database system.
Gap Analysis	Comparison of the functionality of the selected vendor’s software system as purchased versus the needs of the college, as identified through interviews conducted during college visits and discussions. The results of the Gap Analysis include a list of items that will require further analysis, parameter setting, discussion, or changes in current college procedures.
Implementation	The installation of new databases, application programs, manual procedures, and training sessions.
Interface	The point at which a connection is made between two systems so that they can work with each other or exchange information. Examples are program interfaces, user interfaces, systems interfaces, and hardware interfaces. At Oakton, the new Banner system will need to interface with several other existing systems. For example, the JSchool system will need to exchange information with Banner.
Luminis	This is the web portal software from Sungard SCT that will be implemented at Oakton in parallel with the Banner system. As a web portal, Luminis provides a rich suite of functional capabilities, including single signon capabilities, application integration, data integration, WebCT integration, email, and collaboration. Luminis will serve as the web entry point not only for Banner, but also for other Oakton systems.
OakSTAR	The name given to the current Oakton student records and information system. OakSTAR has served Oakton well but its operating environment and architecture are inconsistent with current technological standards and practices, and OakSTAR needs to be replaced.
Oracle	The Oracle database management software used in the Banner software to store, update, and manage all data. This is a widely used and proven software package from the Oracle Corporation. The Oracle database management software is also used in other Oakton systems, such as JSchool.
SQL	An acronym for Structured Query Language. This is a standard language used to request data from relational databases, such as the Oracle database management software used in the Banner product.
Sungard SCT	The company headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, that owns and supports both the Banner software package and the Luminis software package.

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