Cloud Storage Integration Replacement for Blackboard Learn – Rollout and Changes (Published August 2, 2021):
Summary
The technology provider used to integrate multiple cloud providers in Blackboard Learn is ending its service. This includes integrations with services such as OneDrive, Google Drive, Box, and Dropbox. Blackboard is transitioning to a new technology to provide this file picker experience. This change applies to Original and Ultra Experience.
Screenshot of the picker experience that is being discontinued by the provider. It will be replaced by a new file picker for these same cloud service providers.
Screenshot of the updated picker experience for cloud services.
Current Progress
Blackboard has completed the work required for the cloud storage integration replacement project and is now planning the rollout to all global regions.
Planned Regional Deployment Schedule
The following timeline outlines the planned regional deployment schedule for the new cloud storage solution. As previously communicated, it is our intention to roll this out in a phased approach, focusing first on our smaller regions and then releasing to larger regions. The planned deployment schedule to production is as follows:
Key Information
As previously communicated, the transition will be a seamless experience for all clients regardless of deployment type (SaaS, Managed Hosted or Self-Hosted). Any previously uploaded document/files to Learn from the existing cloud storage solution will not be impacted by this change.
Updates to End User Experience
There will be some minor changes to the user experience given the new cloud storage provider integration. These are detailed below:
Blackboard Learn
Due to recent security enhancements around handling persistent cookies, access to Institution Cloud Storage from within the system admin panel will no longer be available. Clients will no longer be able to set a preferred institution cloud solution such as OneDrive for Business or Google Drive.
Base Navigation
Access to Cloud Storage Accounts and Cloud Applications from within the Profile and Tools section will no longer be available. This is based on security enhancements around handling cookies.
Original and Ultra Course Views
- Access and launch to the Cloud service within the user interface will stay the same including all existing cloud storage providers.
- There will be a slightly modified cloud storage file picker that will require end user authentication for each provider. A user’s Learn session will determine the length of time a user will stay logged into any authenticated storge provider.
- Access to a preferred institution cloud service will no longer be available. For Ultra Course View, the option will no longer appear in the Details & Actions menu.
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Cloud Storage Integration Replacement Update (Published June 24, 2021):
Please find an update on progress for the forthcoming Cloud Storage Integration replacement project.
Current Progress
We are currently in the process of finalizing the work to replace our existing Cloud Storage Integration project. The transition to the new solution will look to take place during the back-to-school timeframe for Northern Hemisphere institutions.
Regional Deployment
Once we have completed all necessary components, we will look to provide more detail in respect to the planned regional deployment including associated timelines. It is our intention to roll this out in a phased approach, focusing first on our smaller SaaS regions and then releasing to larger regions. We will provide more detail in due course.
Key Information
The transition to the new Cloud Storage Integration solution will be a seamless experience for all clients regardless of deployment type (SaaS, Managed Hosted or Self-Hosted). Please note that any previously uploaded documents/files to Learn from the existing cloud storage solution will not be impacted by this change.
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Blackboard will be transitioning away from the existing Cloud Storage Integration to a new enhanced solution.
Situation Background
Blackboard has been informed that the existing externally provided Cloud Storage solution used in Learn Original and Ultra is going away. The current tentative timeline for the end of this service is 31st December 2021. This is not something Blackboard had planned for and nor was it something we wanted to happen, however we are actively working on providing an alternative solution which will offer the same functionality as well as opportunities for enhancement. Please note that any previously uploaded documents to Learn from Cloud Storage solutions will not be impacted by this change.
What Blackboard is doing?
Blackboard recognises the importance of providing access to Cloud Storage providers in the Learning Management System/Virtual Learning Environment and have therefore immediately mobilised a development team to work on the solution replacement. The replacement will support the same functionality as with the existing integration. This will include the ability for access to and download files from, Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft OneDrive for Business, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box. The new solution will also provide additional extensibility options for Blackboard to explore that will enhance the end user experience.
What institutions may be required to do?
SaaS customers will be moved automatically without downtime to the latest solution. For Self-Hosted and Managed Hosted customers, we are actively working on a path to support a smooth transition with further guidance on this path planned as soon as possible. Please watch out for further updates on Behind the Blackboard and the Community site.
