Create Interface Applications to Active Directory Without Scripting
rDirectory 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 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 applications 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 applications; 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 applications are based on Active Directory's own built-in security controls; with capabilities of the application based on the user's own Active Directory qualifications. Additionally, a roles-based menu provides each user with access to only those applications 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 application; 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 access to all users. Certain combinations of these methods are also supported; including Anonymous plus Forms and Windows Integrated plus Forms.
Other features of rDirectory include the optional 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 rDirectory release include support for the identification of Writable Domain Controllers (and hence the identification of Read-Only Domain Controllers); support for fine-grained password policies; the ability to create locations based on AI module settings; and new search forms and SearchFilters macros, among others.
rDirectory is available now, in a Community Edition (free), a Standard Edition, a Professional Edition, and an Enterprise Edition. Each version adds more features; with the Community Edition focusing purely on providing a basic Employee Directory application, with search, printing, and self-service update features (custom views not supported); ranging to the full feature set of rDirectory Enterprise as described in this briefing.
product submission by EITPlanet Staff
Article was taken from the now defunct website of Enterprise IT Planet.
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