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Originally published at Internet.comrDirectory is a thin-application (no separate database required) that rests on top of and integrates with Microsoft Active Directory; allowing IT personnel to create white/yellow page applications based on the data maintained within their Active Directory framework.
IT personnel use rDirectory to create "Catalogs," Web-based applications that can be used by employees or users to create, search for, examine, and if allowed, edit specific information contained within Active Directory. Any number of catalogs can be created and they can each be based on virtually any Active Directory data.
In depth scripting is not required in the creation of catalogs; instead, the designer fills in included templates that detail what type of information can be created, viewed, searched, or browsed and what fields (if any) can be edited. rDirectory exposes access to the full Active Directory Schema and does not require schema extensions, but can take advantage of custom schema extensions.
Access controls for designed catalogs are based on Active Directory's own built-in security controls; with capabilities of the catalog based on the user's own Active Directory qualifications. Additionally, a roles-based menu provides each user with access to only those catalogs that they are allowed to view based on their role within AD. Designers can select from three basic means of authentication for the Catalog: Windows Integrated, in which the user's Windows Login information is used to authenticate them to the Catalog; Forms-based authentication, in which case the user logs in via a form and a cookie is stored on their machine for further authentication requests in a session; or Anonymous mode which provides limited catalog access to all users. Certain combinations of these methods are also supported; including Anonymous plus Forms and Windows Integrated plus Forms.
rDirectory integrates both with Active Directory and with Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM). Other features include the Provisioning Agent for Microsoft Exchange, an add-on tool that allows for the creation of applications that enable the creation of mail-enabled accounts; dynamic search and results filters; and support for Detail "My Info" applications, which show detailed information in relationship to the operator (such as their own record, department, office, etc.).
New features in the latest release include support for integration with Web portals; "Data Integrity Enforcement," which allows for data checking at login and forced profile updates; and user provisioning features including custom name formatting, home folder provisioning, etc.
rDirectory is available now, in a Community Edition (free), a Standard Edition, a Professional Edition, and an Enterprise Edition (each version adds more features). The Community Edition focuses purely on providing a basic Employee Directory application, with search, printing, and self-service update features (custom views not supported).
Pricing starts at $1,074 (Standard Edition, minimum 200 AD users) with volume discounts available.
Visit the Namescape Corp. Web site for further information.Author: EITPlanet Staff
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