I just want to try uPortal out and see if I like it. Can I do that?
Each uPortal distribution includes a quickstart. You can download the latest from the download page.
What does uPortal use for authentication?
Out of the box, uPortal supports authenticating via internal user accounts, CAS, and LDAP. uPortal includes an API for other authentication integrations. Support for CAS (and the inclusion by default of a CAS server) implies support for all the authentication methods CAS supports, including Active Directory, JAAS, JDBC, Container, LDAP, RADIUS, SPNEGO, and X.509 certificates. CAS provides APIs and an extensible framework for tailoring the user authentication experience.
Does uPortal integrate with LDAP?
Yes, uPortal can perform authentication against LDAP and/or read person attributes from an LDAP server. uPortal can also be configured to rely on LDAP for user groups.
What databases does uPortal support?
uPortal and most of its portlets use Hibernate, so most popular databases are supported. Known production deployment database include (but are not limited to!) Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MSSQL.
Does uPortal support clustering?
Yes. (Eric?)
Are there more portlets available than what I see in my quickstart installation?
Yes! Some portlets are listed on Jasig's website and more are documented in the wiki.
Is uPortal secure?
Jasig's security policy and relevant details about uPortal's security standards are available here: http://www.ja-sig.org/wiki/display/PLT.
Is uPortal accessible?
uPortal developers strive to follow accessibility best practices, such as providing alt attributes and avoiding table-based layouts. Many uPortal interfaces, including the AJAX-powered drag and drop layout reordering, support keyboard bindings which may be used instead of a mouse. Many of uPortal's user interfaces use CSS and JavaScript components provided by Fluid Infusion, an accessible front-end framework.
Can I customize uPortal?
Many implementers choose to write their own skin and to develop custom portlets. uPortal's framework also includes well-designed APIs for adding authentication, user attributes, and performing other integrations.
What JavaScript toolkits does uPortal support?
uPortal bundles jQuery, jQuery UI, and Fluid Infusion in the default theme. The quickstart includes a portlet named "Javascript Demos" that you may use to demo the built-in javascript libraries. However, uPortal also carefully namespaces its libraries and code in case you choose to use another framework in your custom development.
What portlet development frameworks does uPortal support?
Since uPortal provides full support for JSR 168, you can develop portlets in a framework of your choice. Some adopters have also chosen to build content in a non-Java environment and display it using the web proxy portlet.
Does uPortal support drag-and-drop layout reordering?
Yes! You can easily rearrange the portlets on a tab by simply dragging them to new positions. uPortal's reordering implementation includes alternate keyboard interactions and is tested for accessibility.
Does uPortal support mobile devices?
Yes! uPortal ships with themes and skins that work well with WebKit-based browsers including those built into the iPhone and Android mobile phones. These skins may be customized for your institution, and your portlets may choose to output specialized mobile interfaces.
Where can I get help?
Jasig maintains two user-facing email lists that might be of help: uportal-user and portlet-user. If you're interested in purchasing support or consulting services, please visit Jasig's list of commercial partners.