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odbc-link decommissioning

What is odbc-link?

What is odbc-link? (45.74 KB)

is one of the interfaces that higher education provider (HEPs) can use to connect to UCAS. This allows application data to be imported into a student record system (SRS) for processing and send transactions back to UCAS such as offers and decisions.
 

When is odbc-link being decommissioned?

We will switch off odbc-link at the end of the 2023 admissions cycle, once UCAS Data for HESA statutory returns has been delivered.

It will be unavailable from December 2023, see the timeline below for more details.

Decommissioning timeline

September 2022

  • 2023 UCAS Undergraduate cycle opens. Applications available in xml-link, web-link and, for the final time, odbc-link.
  • New widening participation questions for the 2023 cycle are made available via xml-link and web-link only. 

Spring 2023

New functionality to set a reason for Confirmation delay will be released. This will be available via xml-link and web-link only.

July 2023

2024 UCAS Conservatoire cycle applications will be made available to providers via xml-link and web-link only.

Confirmation and Clearing 2023

  • Awarding Body Linkage (ABL) exam results made available in xml-link, web-link and, for the final time, odbc-link.
  • Normal Clearing functionality is available in xml-link, web-link and, for the final time, odbc-link.

September 2023

2024 UCAS Undergraduate cycle applications will be made available to providers via xml-link and web-link only.

November 2023

  • Data for statutory returns (HESA/StarJ) will be made available via xml-link, web-link and, for the final time, odbc-link.
  • Changes to add new fields and align codes with HESA data futures will be available via xml-link and web-link only.
  • Extra statistical data (Star X) will be available in xml-link, web-link and, for the final time, odbc-link.

December 2023

  • odbc-link switched off.
  • Providers will only be able to connect their student record system to UCAS via xml-link to process their applications.

Why is odbc-link being decommissioned?

  • The old technology limits the functionality we can deliver.
  • xml-link offers better  security, in a time when cyber security is paramount.
  • Using improved technology so there is a decreased need to support another interface.

Who currently uses odbc-link?

odbc-link is currently used by most student record systems connecting to UCAS.

Are vendors aware of this change?

All student record system vendors and in-house providers are aware of the change, and expect to have the functionality in place for the start of the 2024 cycle. 

Some vendors/in-house providers have already delivered system updates for xml-link and have pilot programs in place. Please contact your vendor for more details about your transition. 

UCAS development

There will be no further developments to odbc-link for the 2023 cycle.

  • Existing functionality will continue to be enhanced in xml-link.
  • New functionality will only be made available via ucas-link. Please see our link strategy page for more information on ucas-link. 

How will providers be aware of ongoing work?

We'll continue communicating with providers at key stages of this migration, to ensure all are aware and have the necessary support. 

     

    UCAS-link product strategy

    View the ucas-link product strategy (46.41 KB).

     

    UCAS connection post 2023

     

    Recent webinars

    If you missed it, you can now watch the playback of our most recent techincal webinar, the session dived into the following topics:

    • technical details about the next UCAS developments
    • an update on the decommissioning of ODBC-link
    • what are your next steps to decommission ODBC-link?

    Watch the playback here

     

    FAQs

    Can providers receive 2024 applications through odbc-link?

    No, 2024 applications will not be delivered via odbc-link.

    All providers need to be using xml-link to connect their student record system (SRS) to UCAS.

    What do providers need to do? 

    • Contact your vendor about your transition.
    • Update your systems to use xml-link.

    SRS vendors are aware and actively developing and delivering updates:

    • All expect to have xml-link functionality ready for the 2024 cycle.
    • Some vendors will have this in place for the 2023 cycle.

    What are the next steps for providers?

    What are your vendor’s plans?

    • When is the vendor releasing an update for xml-link?
    • Do they have a pilot programme you can join?

    Your technical team needs to:

    • understand the impact of decommissioning odbc-link
    • consider if any additional technical resource is required
    • plan infrastructure changes
    • test system updates
    • implement updates – test and production
    • consider if work is required from development teams

     

    How do I get a login to the production environment?

    • You can request a login using our self-service support portal.
    • Once logged in go to the ‘Service Request’ section then follow the ‘Browse by categories’ link.
    • Complete the ‘Create account (XML-Link/ODBC-Link/UCAS-Link/Provider Pages API)’ form.
    • Make it clear that you are requesting a production account.
    • Suggested User ID: [Hep code]Live – e.g. Z06Live

    Do I need to provide UCAS with an IP address to add to an access control list?

    • No, that was a requirement for odbc-link.
    • In xml-link we only need to know your systems IP address if it is based outside of the UK. For example, if your student record system is hosted on Amazon Web Services in Dublin.
    • goes into more detail.
    • You can request an exemption using the ‘ADD/REMOVE/AMEND IPs for System Access’ form in the support portal.

    I need to add the xml-link IP addresses to my firewall. What are they?

    The list of IP addresses used by xml-link can be found at www.cloudflare.com/en-gb/ips/.

    What should I do if I lock my xml-link?

    You will need to raise a request in the support portal using the Unlock/Reset password (web-link/xml-link/odbc-link/UCAS-Link) request, making it clear which environment is affected e.g. test or production.

    How do I get test data?

    For bulk test data, use the dedicated form in the support portal. This will enable us to make sure you are getting the right data for your testing. Please visit the HEP1 and HEP2 page for details on how to raise individual test applications.

    I have a general technical question about xml-link

    You can use the Link Product Question/Query (odbc/xml/web-link/ucas-link) form to raise it with our technical support team.

    If you're not sure if it needs specialist support, or you have a more general question, contact our Service Delivery Management (Technical) team at sdmtech@ucas.ac.uk

    Find out more

    Our online training module will support you with the transition: Switching off odbc-link: How to manage your transition. 

    This short course is designed to underpin the regular communications we'll be sending to all providers, by helping you fully understand the process and the steps you need to take to ensure you and your provider continue to receive application data. It will give you:

    • an understanding of the link products, and who the student record system vendors are. (If you're unfamiliar with this, please see our online training: The student record systems: vendors.) 
    • information about UCAS' strategy and the timeline for decommissioning odbc-link.
    • helpful resources, some of which you can download and share with your colleagues

    Online training 

    If you need any further support please contact the Service Delivery Management (technical) team at sdmtech@ucas.ac.uk.