September 28, 1999 Web posted at: 10:26 a.m. EDT (1426 GMT) by John Fontana

From...

(IDG) -- The Sun-Netscape Alliance last week unveiled an integrated bundle of applications that could make it easier for companies to set up directory-based systems for managing end users across internal networks and extranets.

The alliance pulled the curtain back on its Unified User Management Suite, a collection of existing products, including the iPlanet Directory Server, Certificate Management System, Meta-Directory and Delegated Administrator. The alliance is bundling in a third-party product, Netegrity's SiteMinder, for policy management, authentication and authorization services.

MORE COMPUTING INTELLIGENCE
	IDG.net home page
Network World Fusion home page
Free Network World Fusion newsletters
Sun/Netscape Alliance brings directory ties
Reviews & in-depth info at IDG.net
		IDG.net's bridges & routers page
		IDG.net's hubs & switches page
		IDG.net's network operating systems page
		IDG.net's network management software page
Year 2000 World
Questions about computers? Let IDG.net's editors help you
Subscribe to IDG.net's free daily newsletter for network experts
Search IDG.net in 12 languages
News Radio
	Fusion audio primers
	Computerworld Minute

"They've taken the crucial parts of user management - the directory, public-key infrastructure, authentication and access control - and put them together . . . in an effort to ensure they work together," says Jamie Lewis, president of The Burton Group.

The directory creates a central repository of information that can be used to add and delete users or to approve user access to Web-based applications. The Meta-Directory allows Directory Server to collect and share data stored in disparate directories, such as those in enterprise resource planning or e-mail applications.

The certificate system supports a PKI, while SiteMinder provides single sign-on, centralized access control and policy management capabilities.

The Delegated Administrator allows for end-user self-service, which means end users can add, delete and update information without the need for a directory administrator. Companies such as Oblix also are building directory-enabled user management applications similar to the Delegated Administrator.

The Unified User Management Suite is expected to ship next month and will cost $15 per user.