Otago U Launches Tender for Digital Identity and Access Management Overhaul

Published Date : 9/30/2025 

The University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest university, has initiated a tender process to transform its identity and access management (IAM) system. This move aligns with the country's broader digital transformation efforts and aims to enhance the university's digital infrastructure. 

The University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest and most prestigious institution of higher education, has initiated a tender process to transform its identity and access management (IAM) system. The public university has published a registration of interest notice on the country’s Government Electronic Tendering Service (GETS) platform, signaling a significant step towards modernizing its digital infrastructure.

With New Zealand’s government undertaking a broad digital transformation, including the planned launch of a national framework for digital identity, it is little surprise that the University of Otago is moving in the same direction. The university, which has more than 18,500 full-time students and 3,800 full-time staff across five campuses, is planning to “transform” its digital identity and access management (IAM) capabilities.

To achieve this, the university has outlined the tasks it needs carried out by a product vendor along with a professional services or implementation partner. These tasks include creating user accounts and providing automated access to a range of systems. Shortlisted respondents will be invited to respond to a subsequent request for proposals (RFP).

The University of Otago is decommissioning Oracle Identity Manager in favor of Entra ID, which is the university’s authentication and password management platform. Oracle Unified Directory and Oracle Access Manager are also being decommissioned but will have to be supported in the interim. The university operates separate Active Directory domains for students and staff, which will presumably grant access to different applications and resources.

More than 400 applications of varying maturity levels will make use of the IAM system, and the university plans to discuss these applications with shortlisted vendors. The delivery dates for the project run from March 2026 to January 2027. Questions regarding the tender are due by October 8, and registrations are due by October 16.

This initiative is part of the university's broader strategy to enhance its digital capabilities, improve user experience, and ensure robust security measures. The transformation of the IAM system will not only streamline access to various systems but also align with the national digital identity framework, contributing to a more integrated and efficient digital environment in New Zealand. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the University of Otago's main goal with this tender process?

A: The main goal is to transform the university's identity and access management (IAM) system to enhance digital infrastructure, improve user experience, and ensure robust security measures.

Q: What platform is the University of Otago using to publish its tender notice?

A: The University of Otago is using the Government Electronic Tendering Service (GETS) platform to publish its tender notice.

Q: What is Entra ID, and how will it be used?

A: Entra ID is the university’s authentication and password management platform. It will replace Oracle Identity Manager as the primary IAM system.

Q: How many applications will use the new IAM system?

A: More than 400 applications of varying maturity levels will make use of the new IAM system.

Q: What are the key dates for the tender process?

A: Questions are due by October 8, and registrations are due by October 16. The delivery dates for the project run from March 2026 to January 2027. 

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