Installation FAQs for Administrators
Many leading institutions have expanded their e-learning environments with Blackboard PowerLinks. Partners in the Blackboard PowerLinks Network have created compelling integrations with Blackboard that allow institutions to integrate key campus technologies and extend the Blackboard platform with innovative applications. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about installation of Blackboard PowerLinks.
What is a Blackboard PowerLink and why do I need to install it on my server?
Partners in the Blackboard PowerLinks Network develop PowerLinks using the Blackboard Vista PowerLinks Kit for software development. The actual PowerLink is a piece of code that forms the connector between your Blackboard server and the partner's application; most commonly, this is used to let users seamlessly sign on to the partner application and allow grade reporting back to Blackboard, eliminating duplicate logins and manual grade updates for your faculty and students. Since each PowerLink is installed and configured individually on your server, you are able to control what the PowerLink application connects to and where the application is made available to your users.
Does the installation of the Blackboard PowerLink put my server at risk?
No. The safety of your server is protected in two ways:
- The Blackboard Vista PowerLinks Kit interfaces are built on a safe layer that lets customers and partners integrate extensions with Blackboard without worrying about impacting the stability of their environment. As you upgrade to newer versions of Blackboard, you won't have to spend significant time rewriting your integration solutions or application extensions. The PowerLinks Kit is specifically designed to insulate custom integrations so that they will continue to work over time.
- Each Blackboard PowerLinks Network partner agrees to fully test and review their integration solution before release, which usually includes a beta test with a customer.
Does Blackboard provide support for PowerLinks?
Yes. If a partner's application is listed in the Blackboard PowerLinks Showcase, you can be confident that the integration solution is fully supported by Blackboard and that it was developed in consultation with Blackboard's Partner Solutions team. Partners listed in the Blackboard PowerLinks Showcase have also agreed to abide by best practices for security, privacy, and support responsiveness.
Are FERPA guidelines upheld in the Blackboard PowerLinks program?
Yes. Student privacy is at the forefront of the design decision-making process with our partners. Blackboard has established the following principles for our partners, which must be agreed to before promoting their products:
- Only the minimum amount of student data necessary to achieve the requested customer experience is transmitted.
- The data is transmitted and stored securely.
- Student data is never accessed by non-essential personnel.
- Student data is never shared with a third party.
In addition to the expectation above, Blackboard recommends that partners list their terms of use on their Web site, indicating their commitment to the principles above. Blackboard has adopted this policy for partners and for its own support department since 2002. Blackboard won't promote or a support a partner integration unless we have confidence in their willingness and ability to ensure the safety and security of student data.
How do I get assistance with installing, configuring, or using a PowerLink?
We suggest that you contact the partner's support team directly, as they are the most familiar with their application and the configuration process. If you are unsure of whom to contact or have general questions about PowerLinks, please contact Client Support.
Read More
To learn more, read the Blackboard Vista PowerLinks Kit factsheet (PDF).