A new UIS product coming to campuses July 2021

UIS is working to create a Tableau Server as an enterprise visualization tool for all campuses. This project will allow the university to have a fixed, discounted cost for Tableau desktop that could be procured through CU Marketplace.  Tableau is not replacing any other reporting tools.  Current users of Cognos will not be impacted, and Cognos will remain a UIS-supported tool.

What is Tableau and what is changing?

Tableau is a data visualization tool that consists of a Tableau server (to be managed by UIS) as well as Tableau desktop instances. Currently, CU Denver and CU Boulder have campus-based licenses, which are only available to their users. After this change, UIS will manage Tableau Server for all University of Colorado campuses.

This change enables UIS to provide a platform for all CU customers for direct data sharing use. The Tableau Server will be available on the UIS website, Cherwell and all applicable systems with additional authentication through Ping.  

Tableau Server

A Tableau Server hosts and holds all shared Tableau workbooks, data sources and related data, keeping files secure and protected. The server enables users to publish and share data.  This service would be provided to all approved university faculty and staff.

Tableau Desktop

Tableau desktop allows you to author reports and dashboards, which must be procured locally by your campus and installed locally on your machine. 

 Bookmark this page to find all additional resources, important dates and more.

Training

Learning opportunities and workshops to experience the new changes before go-live will be available in 2021. Emails will be sent to notify users of these trainings. 

FAQS

Will the UIS implementation be HIPAA compliant?

Yes, the Tableau server will be HIPAA and FERPA compliant.

How will content be moved from campus instances to UIS instances?

The project team will provide more details on this as the team explores the technical details with campuses.

Will this change provide a public space that anyone can access?

Yes a public space will be provided, and more details will be provided in the coming months.

Will there be a charge to use the Tableau server?

It will be an enterprise charge, so there will be no charge to individual departments for Tableau Server. See next question for clarification of cost for purchasing Tableau desktop.

How will licensing be handled? By System or by campus?

UIS will manage licensing for Tableau server.  For Tableau desktop, UIS and the PSC will set up a common purchasing that can be utilized through CU Marketplace, and provide a discounted fixed cost for Tableau desktop.

Will it be integrated to Campus AD (SSO and DUO)?

The system-wide Tableau server will have similar login methods as portal and other enterprise application where you will authenticate against passport.  The team is still exploring requirements for DUO and will collaborate with campuses to determine possible integration.

Project Timeline

UIS is wrapping up the planning phase and anticipates starting execution in January, with campus onboarding tentatively expected to begin in July.  A more detailed project timeline will be provided in January.