Ellucian Banner to SaaS

Learn more about Ellucian Banner to SaaS modernization

Modernization approach

ABCloudz helps higher education institutions modernize and transition their on-premises Ellucian Banner environments to Ellucian Student (Banner SaaS). Our approach focuses on understanding the institution’s current technical landscape, identifying SaaS constraints early, and designing a realistic, Ellucian-aligned modernization roadmap. We follow a structured two-phase approach that starts with discovery and solution design and continues through implementation and post-go-live operational support.

Phase 1. Migration solution design

In this phase, we assess the institution-owned components of the existing Banner on-prem environment and define the steps and coordination points required to transition to Ellucian Student.

Environment and baseline assessment

We analyze the current Banner on-premises landscape, including functional modules, reports, batch jobs, integrations, data dependencies, and custom-developed components. The outcome is a Migration Solution Document that captures institution-owned and partner-owned activities, along with the validation and coordination touchpoints required to align with Ellucian’s SaaS migration process.

Customization and baseline analysis

We inventory custom PL/SQL, Pro*C, COBOL, scripts, integrations, and other modifications, then map each item to a SaaS-safe outcome for Ellucian Student: retire, replace, or redesign using Ellucian-supported alternatives such as APIs, Ethos Integration, Experience extensibility patterns, and Data Connect pipelines, since direct database access, DB-resident code, and direct database jobs are typically unavailable.

Integration mapping

We document and assess existing FTP, file-based, API-based, and custom point-to-point integrations, map each to an Ellucian SaaS-compatible approach, and configure and operationalize Ethos Integration and Ellucian Ethos Data Connect to support API-driven and event-driven patterns aligned with Ellucian Student and downstream systems while preserving business continuity.

Data readiness and migration planning

Rather than controlling SaaS database schemas, we support institutions through data readiness and conversion planning. This includes data quality assessment, remediation planning, validation criteria, reconciliation strategies, and downstream reporting and integration continuity. We design these activities to align with Ellucian-led data conversion processes and SaaS constraints.

Performance, security, and compliance

We assess performance, security, and compliance within the customer-administrative scope, map institutional requirements (including FERPA and PCI) to Ellucian Student controls and operating practices, and support compliance alignment and validation under Ellucian’s shared responsibility model.

SaaS alignment and reference models

We align modernization decisions with Ellucian’s reference-model approach, including the Customer Architecture Reference Model (CARM), to help institutions map existing processes and workflows to SaaS-appropriate patterns without assuming one-size-fits-all implementations or Ellucian endorsement.

Phase 2. Implementation

This phase focuses on executing the approved modernization roadmap in coordination with Ellucian’s SaaS operating model, with structured delivery governance, coordinated environment readiness, and milestone-based validation.

Customization redesign and refactoring

Using Ellucian-supported patterns, we rebuild required custom logic outside the Ellucian Student database, typically through external services, APIs, integrations, Experience extensions, and Data Connect pipelines, with clear governance, version control, and audit-ready documentation, rather than direct database customization.

Integration modernization

To reduce reliance on legacy point-to-point connections, we modernize and rationalize integrations, using Ethos Integration and Ethos Data Connect to replace or redesign them with API-driven and event-driven patterns, while supporting transitional or file-based flows when institutional constraints require.

Data migration and validation

We support Ellucian-led data conversion activities by executing data readiness remediation, validation checks, reconciliation processes, and post-load verification. Our focus is on data accuracy, consistency, and operational readiness rather than schema-level control.

Testing and validation

We conduct functional testing, data validation, and workflow verification within the institution’s administrative scope. Security validation focuses on roles, access, and configuration, with platform-level items coordinated with Ellucian.

Deployment and cutover execution

In coordination with Ellucian, we support cutover planning and execution, including go-live governance, readiness checkpoints, detailed runbooks, stakeholder communications, and contingency planning aligned with Ellucian’s SaaS operational model.

Training and post-migration support

With a focus on integrations, data pipelines, and business processes, we provide documentation, knowledge transfer, and operational support; post-go-live services include monitoring Ethos and Data Connect flows, incident triage, and escalation coordination with Ellucian.

We are world champions in migrations!

The ABCloudz team has been doing all kinds of migrations for 20+ years, including various sources/targets, preserving architecture, and performing application modernization, custom and packaged applications, and transactional and analytical workloads, getting involved with 200+ workloads annually.

We are big believers in the principle of “automate the automatable,” which is one of the best proofs of competence and quality. A unique fact about us is our technology for converting between SQL dialects, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2005 (SSMA) and by AWS with the acquisition of DB Best in 2021 (AWS SCT).

Other Ellucian offerings

We deliver the fastest, most automated, and highly cost-effective modernization and development solutions.

Cognos and Argos reports modernization to IRT

Converting complex Cognos and Argos reporting logic into Ellucian’s Insights Reporting Tool (IRT), including SQL refactoring, PostgreSQL migration, security optimization, and SaaS enablement.

Integration modernization with Ethos and Data Connect

Accelerate your transition to SaaS by transforming legacy point-to-point integrations into scalable, secure, event-driven solutions built on Ethos APIs and Data Connect.

ODS/EDW migration to Ellucian Insights

Full migration of institutional reporting and analytics from legacy ODS/EDW systems to Insights, including ETL transformations, compliance alignment, and advanced analytics optimization.

Automic to EnterpriseSCHEDULE (ISE) modernization

Migrating and optimizing legacy Automic scheduling workflows into Ellucian’s EnterpriseSCHEDULE, focusing on reliability, maintainability, compliance, and SaaS-native operational efficiency.

Custom Experience Cards design and development

Design and implementation of intuitive Experience Cards with real-time API integration, optimized user experiences, robust security, and full compatibility with Ellucian’s ecosystem and SaaS offerings.

Learn more about our partnership with Ellucian

See how our long-term collaboration with Ellucian drives modernization and delivers value to the institutions we serve.

Why ABCloudz?

ABCloudz is a full-service global technology firm helping higher education institutions manage data, applications, and infrastructure anywhere. We’ve been working closely with Ellucian product and services teams for years, gaining deep technical and functional knowledge of how the Ellucian ecosystem works from the inside. This expertise enables us to deliver the fastest, most automated, and highly cost-effective modernization of on-premises Ellucian Banner to Ellucian Student (Banner SaaS).

20 Years managing and engineering data and applications

Partnership with AWS, Microsoft, Google, and Ellucian

Industry expertise in higher education, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and beyond

20+ technology practices

Automate the “automatable”

Focus on data, modernization and AI

12-step Migration and Modernization Methodology

Cost, timeline, and delivery certainty

The cost and timeline of a migration vary based on multiple factors, including the complexity of the institution’s current setup, the number of customizations, integrations, and data structures that need to be modernized.

That’s why we don’t believe in guesswork. At ABCloudz, we follow a proven 12-step Migration and Modernization Methodology that starts with a comprehensive discovery phase.

In this first step, our team thoroughly analyzes your existing Ellucian Banner environment, identifying all custom code, integrations, data dependencies, and workflows.

The outcome? A detailed modernization roadmap — a solution design document that outlines every step of your modernization journey. This includes:

A structured step-by-step plan with a detailed breakdown of required tasks.

Precise time estimates in person-hours for each phase of the modernization.

A clear budget estimate, based on the scope of work.

What's next?

With ABCloudz, you get a data-driven modernization strategy and a clear execution plan. Our fine-tuned process, tested in hundreds of successful modernizations, ensures predictability, efficiency, and full transparency at every step.

Let’s start an engagement with a discovery and solution design phase to map out your modernization strategy. Contact us to kick off the conversation.