Websites using EZproxy

Okay, let s break down EZproxy, covering its overview, revenue (and difficulties in finding exact figures), alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

EZproxy: Overview

EZproxy is a server-based software application developed by OCLC (Online Computer Library Center). Its primary function is to provide access control and authentication for online resources, specifically for libraries, educational institutions, and research organizations. Think of it as a gatekeeper that allows authorized users to access digital resources (like databases, journals, ebooks) from anywhere with an internet connection, as if they were on the institution s network.

Here s a more detailed look:

• How it works: EZproxy acts as a proxy server, intercepting user requests and verifying their credentials against the institution s authentication system (like a library s card system or a university s login). Once authenticated, EZproxy rewrites URLs to make it appear as if the user is accessing the resource from within the institution s network.
• Key Features:
  • Remote Access: Enables authorized users to access paid resources from off-campus or remote locations.
  • Authentication: Integrates with various authentication systems (LDAP, Shibboleth, etc.).
  • Centralized Management: Simplifies access control for a large number of digital resources.
  • Security: Provides a secure and controlled way for users to access sensitive content.
  • Usage Tracking: Offers reporting features for tracking resource usage.

Revenue (Difficulty in Determining Exact Figures)

It s very challenging to determine the exact revenue generated by EZproxy. Here s why:

• OCLC is a non-profit organization: OCLC s financial information is not reported with the same level of granularity as publicly traded companies.
• EZproxy is part of a larger product ecosystem: OCLC offers a range of library services and software, and EZproxy revenue is likely bundled into overall licensing and service agreements.
• Private Contracts: Licensing agreements are typically private contracts between OCLC and subscribing institutions.

What we do know:

• EZproxy is a widely used and important product for OCLC.
• It likely contributes a significant portion of OCLC s revenue due to its broad adoption.
• OCLC is a large organization, reporting total revenues in the hundreds of millions of dollars, with a large portion of that coming from subscriptions for its products and services. EZproxy is a key contributor to those revenues.

Alternatives to EZproxy

While EZproxy is a leading solution, several alternatives exist, often catering to specific needs or offering slightly different approaches:

• OpenAthens: A cloud-based access management solution that emphasizes simplicity and user experience. Often favored by academic institutions and consortia.
• LibLynx: Another cloud-based solution focusing on digital resource access and analytics. Provides tools for content management and usage reporting.
• Shibboleth: An open-source software suite for web single sign-on (SSO) and federated identity management. Requires more technical expertise to set up and manage.
• Other Proxy Servers: Generic proxy servers (like Apache or Nginx) can be configured for similar purposes, but they require substantial configuration and don t provide the specific features tailored to resource access management.
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): While VPNs allow secure remote access, they don t typically offer the granular control and authentication features of EZproxy, and they can be more complex for users.

Factors to consider when choosing an alternative:

• Ease of use: How easy is the solution to set up, manage, and for users to access resources?
• Authentication integration: Does it easily integrate with your existing authentication system?
• Scalability: Can it handle your institution s size and growing needs?
• Support and documentation: Is good support and documentation available?
• Cost: How does the pricing compare to other solutions?

Pricing

Pricing for EZproxy is not publicly available and is typically determined based on the institution s:

• Size (Number of users): Pricing is usually tiered based on the number of authorized users or concurrent connections.
• Type of institution: Universities, colleges, libraries, research institutions may have different pricing models.
• Contract terms: Multi-year contracts might come with discounts.
• Bundled services: If the institution uses other OCLC services, pricing may be bundled.

Generally, EZproxy is considered an enterprise-level solution, and pricing will reflect this. It s typically on the higher end of the pricing scale compared to some alternatives, especially for smaller institutions.

To obtain a quote, you need to contact OCLC directly.

Customer Care Details

OCLC generally offers customer care through the following channels:

• Technical Support: OCLC provides technical support to its subscribers through various channels:
  • Online support portal: For submitting tickets and accessing documentation.
  • Email support: For less urgent issues.
  • Phone support: For critical issues.
• Community Forums: OCLC has online forums and communities where users can connect, share knowledge, and ask questions.
• Training and Documentation: OCLC provides documentation, online tutorials, and training materials to help users set up, configure, and troubleshoot EZproxy.
• Account Management: OCLC assigns account managers to institutions to help them manage their subscriptions, resolve issues, and explore new features.

Key Takeaways

• EZproxy is a robust, established solution for managing remote access to online resources for libraries and educational institutions.
• Its revenue figures are difficult to pinpoint but are undoubtedly significant for OCLC.
• Alternatives exist, catering to different needs and price points.
• Pricing is not publicly available and requires contacting OCLC for a quote.
• OCLC offers comprehensive customer support through various channels.

If you re considering EZproxy, be sure to carefully evaluate your institution s specific needs and compare it to alternative solutions to find the best fit. Don t hesitate to reach out to OCLC directly for more detailed information and pricing.