Executive Summary

Higher education institutions face unique challenges in managing large-scale identity and access governance systems. Hofstra University (HU) implemented Oracle Identity Manager (OIM) to automate user lifecycle management, but a lack of internal expertise, documentation, and a buggy implementation resulted in inefficiencies and an overwhelming volume of help desk tickets. Zephon stepped in to stabilize the system, fix critical bugs, and successfully migrate HU to the latest supported version of OIM—drastically improving operational efficiency and reducing manual workloads.

Key Challenges

• Unstable Identity Management System: Buggy codebase with no documentation

• End-of-Life Technology: Existing OIM version nearing end-of-life support

• High Operational Overhead: Significant manual work due to automation failures

  
  

Solution Delivered

Zephon provided expert technical leadership to stabilize, debug, and modernize HU’s identity and access management system. The team:

• Fixed Bugs & Cleaned Data: Decompiled and debugged the existing system to restore functionality

• Automated User Provisioning: Reduced manual work by implementing automated Office 365 license management and Gmail user provisioning

• Migrated to Latest OIM Version: Ensured continued vendor support and enhanced performance

• Documented System & Processes: Created comprehensive technical documentation for long-term maintainability

  
  

Results & Business Impact

• 90% Reduction in Help Desk Tickets: Streamlined identity workflows and automated provisioning

• Operational Efficiency: Eliminated manual tasks by automating key IAM processes

• Future-Proofed System: Migrated to a fully supported OIM version, ensuring stability and long-term security

• Enhanced Security & Compliance: Improved tracking, auditability, and access management visibility

  
  

Why Zephon?

Zephon specializes in resilient, self-healing cybersecurity solutions that reduce operational burdens and ensure compliance. Our expertise in identity governance enables organizations to achieve efficiency, security, and scalability—without disruption.

Technical Approach & Implementation

Architecture & Design

• Identity Governance Enhancement: Debugging, stabilization, and modernization of OIM

• Automated Compliance Tracking: Improved visibility into identity lifecycle processes

• System Hardening & Documentation: Ensured long-term maintainability with thorough documentation

  
  

Implementation Process

• Source Code Recovery: Decompiled existing code to identify and fix bugs

• New Code Repository: Established a formal repository for version control and future enhancements

• Office 365 & Gmail Automation: Eliminated manual access provisioning and licensing tasks

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Streamlined user access based on predefined policies

• Identity Synchronization: Ensured seamless integration across Active Directory domains and cloud platforms

• Secure Development & Change Management: Followed best practices to maintain a stable and secure IAM environment

  
  

Technology Stack

• Oracle Identity Manager | Oracle Database | WebLogic | Java | PowerShell | Groovy | Bitbucket

• Automated Office 365 and Google Apps integration

  
  

Ongoing Support & Compliance

• 24x7 monitoring and Tier 2/3 support

• Automated identity lifecycle management

• Continuous patching, security updates, and compliance tracking

Conclusion

Zephon transformed Hofstra University’s identity and access management system by stabilizing, documenting, and modernizing their OIM environment. The migration to the latest supported version significantly improved automation, security, and operational efficiency, enabling HU to scale IAM processes effectively while reducing manual intervention.

For institutions looking to modernize IAM systems with minimal disruption, Zephon delivers hassle-free cybersecurity solutions tailored to higher education needs.

Hassle-Free Cyber. Delivered.