A CIO’s Guide to Scaling Ellucian Integrations Beyond Ethos in a SaaS World
As institutions modernize their Ellucian Student Information Systems (SIS) by moving to SaaS, one challenge consistently rises to the top of every CIO’s to-do list: integration. And while Ellucian Ethos is positioned as the API framework to facilitate this transition, it’s often underestimated with it’s level of complexity.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to optimize Ellucian integrations both with Ethos and with other tools compatible with Ethos, and how CIOs can confidently build an integration strategy that scales—not stalls—as their technology stack evolves.
What Is Ethos—and What It Isn’t
Ethos is Ellucian’s API and data model framework designed to enable communication between Banner or Colleague and external systems. It’s a major step forward from traditional flat file transfers and custom scripts. However, like any powerful tool, maximizing the value of Ethos requires thoughtful implementation, dedicated resources, and—often—additional layers of support.
“Having Lingk as our strategic partner has made all the difference in our Colleague SaaS journey. Their managed integration services and iPaaS are providing the critical support we need.”
Oakland Community College
For example:
Most institutions need to extend or enrich the data objects provided through Ethos
Many integrations require custom logic, transformation, and monitoring
Building and maintaining integrations across multiple systems (like CRM, LMS, and analytics tools) can be time- and resource-intensive
That’s where CIOs often look to enhanced integration platforms and expert services to help fully realize the vision Ethos enables.
A Scalable Approach: Combining Ethos with a Modern Integration Platform
Leading institutions are now rethinking their approach. Rather than using Ethos alone, they’re combining it with modern integration platforms that:
Sit on top of the Ethos API layer
Provide low-code/no-code orchestration
Include robust monitoring and alerting
Support real-time and batch syncs
Connect to multiple systems (40+ systems) — not just Ellucian
At Lingk, we’ve helped dozens of institutions do exactly that—implementing our iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) on top of Ethos to streamline workflows, accelerate go-lives, and future-proof their integration strategies.
We partnered with Oakland Community College to streamline their integrations—integrating 40+ systems and moving to Colleague SaaS. Using Ethos as well as the Lingk platform, OCC reduced integration costs by over 50%.
Why CIOs Choose Lingk to Extend Ethos
Lingk offers both technology and services, acting as a force multiplier for internal teams.
Lingk Managed Services
Our professional services team specializes in Ellucian integrations. Whether it’s Banner SaaS, Colleague SaaS, or hybrid setups, we help schools design, build, and manage integrations—so you can focus on your core IT priorities.Lingk Platform
Our iPaaS solution includes a no-code editor, scalable agent framework, and built-in transformations. It's designed to work with Ethos and extend integrations to CRMs, LMSs, analytics tools, and more.
Final Thoughts: Strategy Over Tools
As a CIO, the job to lead the building of a scalable, future-ready data architecture. Ethos is a valuable piece of the puzzle, but it’s not the whole picture.
By combining Ethos with modern integration tools and expert support, you can deliver the real-time, resilient, and extensible data ecosystem your institution demands—without burning out your internal IT team.
Planning to Make the Move to Banner or Colleague SaaS?
If you're preparing for a Banner or Colleague SaaS migration—or stuck managing Ethos integrations manually—talk with Lingk’s team of Ellucian experts. We’ll show you how we can accelerate your timeline, simplify your digital transformation, and support your team every step of the way.
