If you would like to add to these benefits and drawbacks, you are very welcome.  Please use the homepage to request access.

Benefits

• reduces the possibility of identity theft
• The Shibboleth IdP integrates with most directory services that support LDAP, including Microsoft Active Directory Services
• Because the username is managed by the institution rather than an unknown third-party, it can be properly protected and removed when a user no longer has the right to access college services and resources
• a single manageable source of authorised user credentials
• possibility of integrating the authentication of all information systems such as VLE, MIS etc...
• release only essential information about your learners
• powerful and flexible access control
• Once everything's setup - potentially very little maintenance

Drawbacks 

• Initial setup can be time consuming
• If the initial work is quite a lot, how will IT Support prioritise the implementation?
• A potential concern about the accuracy of the network directory