We have been working closely with the Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit (LMBRU) to create a number of internal and external facing web sites to support the implementation of their IS/IT strategy and to subsequently support their bid to become a biomedical research centre.

Based around Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, the newly created Extranet site provides the facility to securely upload and share documents and information between collaborative partners; facilitating closer working relations and building a foundation upon which to build more complex data capture programmes.

The Extranet system provides dedicated sub sites for individual projects with the ability to upload documents via email, Windows Explorer as well as the typical Upload features of SharePoint 2007.  The system also makes use of SharePoint’s security trimming functionality to ensure that only authorised users are able to view a particular sub site by hiding any information, functions and documents to which the user does not have access.

In this way, users must know the exact URL of the collaboration site and have an authorised username and password before gaining entry.  Once successfully logged in, system auditing ensures that any unusual access is identified at an early stage and ensures the administrators can fine tune the security permissions where appropriate.

The system also allows anonymous access to the home page providing visitors with background information on the mission of the LMBRU along with links to a support wiki and various online training courses.

More information is available from the LMBRU Senior Business Systems Analyst.