Status Line
- Information Technology
- Apr. 2008
- Issue: 221
OCLC Releases EZproxy 5.0 Authentication and Access Software
OCLC released a new version of EZproxy, a software solution for serving library patrons remotely, that offers new features as well as support from OCLC (which acquired EZproxy in January).
OCLC will honor the previous service arrangement for existing and new users whereby licensees continue to enjoy access to new releases of EZproxy and technical support at no additional charge. EZproxy 5.0 software is available to new licensees at the same price as previous releases.
EZproxy 5.0 software enhancements allow libraries to:
- View enhanced audit details that incorporate the location associated with the source IP address.
- Search across audit data to identify suspicious activity, including options to search based on location.
- Alter user access based on location, including the ability to block access or require additional information for access.
- Display a summary of database conflicts to identify and correct configuration issues.
- Develop advanced user authentication and authorization configurations using a new administration page.
EZproxy 5.0 will be the first release to offer technical support from OCLC.
“OCLC Customer Service has devoted a great deal of time and effort to learn how to handle EZproxy issues,” said Chris Zagar, founder of Useful Utilities, developer of EZproxy software and now an OCLC full-time consultant. “With those responsibilities addressed, we can focus on continued development of EZproxy to further extend access to online content.”
Mr. Zagar was a librarian at the Maricopa Community Colleges in Arizona when he developed EZproxy software that allows libraries to manage access and authentication configurations through a proxy server so that library users do not have to make any configuration changes to their personal Web browsers.
For more information about EZproxy or to order the software, contact an OCLC representative at ezproxy@oclc.org.
[OCLC Press Release from March 31, 2008 - edited L. Pinsley, OCLC Services Manager, Nylink]