What facilities does the IDS service provide?
What are the benefits of using IDS?
How many organisations use IDS?
Can IDS provide me with downloads from the NHS National Directory?
When records are imported to my directory do they replace the existing records?
Can IDS help me manage my domain?
Can IDS manage records from sources other than the NHS National Directory?
Can I devolve management of distribution lists to non-administrative staff?
What technology do I need to use IDS?
How do I find out more about IDS?
What facilities does the IDS service provide?
IDS includes applications for extracting and transmitting data from directories, manipulating and editing data on directories, importing data into directories, managing directories and using directory data. The IDS component products can be configured to provide the service the customers require. If you have an idea - contact us, IDS is always moving forward.
What are the benefits of using IDS?
This is potentially a long answer! The IDS portfolio aims to provide customers with robust, efficient and valued directory services. Put simply, the time saved managing and using directories through investing in IDS will realise a return on investment that can be measured in weeks or months rather than years.
How many organisations use IDS?
Software components from the IDS portfolio are in use in over 1500 sites in municipal organisations in the UK. It is calculated that in excess of 50% of entries present on the NHS National Directory have been provided via IDS software components.
Can IDS provide me with downloads from the NHS National Directory?
Yes - Download Manager allows an organisation or any logical group of records to be extracted automatically on a defined schedule. These records can the then be imported to a local directory by Contact Manager.
When records are imported to my directory do they replace the existing records?
No - once a record has been created by Contact Manager subsequent attempts to import that record will cause it to be updated. It will not be removed and re-added like some other import processes. This allows the directory object to be used in distribution lists without concerns about it being removed.
Can IDS help me manage my domain?
Yes - Directory Manager is 'an administrator in-a-box' that uses data from a feeder system such as an HR or Payroll system (although other admin systems have been used) to manage an Active Directory domain.
Do I have to download records from the NHS National Directory to use them in my local messaging directory?
No - an alternative to downloading address books is to use Enquiry Agent, a small application which lives on users desktops providing direct access to remote directories such as the NHS National Directory. This software acts just like an Outlook Address Book and is small enough to be downloaded or install through AD group policies.
Can IDS manage records from sources other than the NHS National Directory?
Yes - although IDS grew up servicing the needs of the NHS it is not restricted to working only with that data. It is applicable to any organisation that uses directory services.
Can I devolve management of distribution lists to non-administrative staff?
Yes - IDS includes Distribution List Manager, a very powerful tool for enterprises who rely on distribution lists and need to ensure their accuracy and integrity. This package includes Distribution List Monitor that provides directory administrators with up-to-date information about changes to distribution lists.
What technology do I need to use IDS?
Most of the products in the IDS portfolio run on standard Windows workstations (NT4/W2K/XP). However Directory Manager (automated domain administration) requires a Windows 2000/2003 Server.
Where required, the implementation of IDS products is undertaken by our own product specialists and configured for your site. The software provided is supported by experienced personnel via email and telephone support. The BDS helpdesk is open from 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday. Software updates and FAQ information is available through the product pages on the web site.
How do I find out more about IDS?
If you wish to know more about IDS then please contact Product Services Division on 01884 33440 or email psd@bds-solutions.co.uk.