Squeeze >> Technology >> Directory Services
The critical component to a successful, secure infrastructure
What is a Directory Service?
A directory service is the central repository used by system infrastructure to manage, control and define how that infrastructure or application works. Any non-trivial system will have multiple directories that govern user logon rights, access to applications and data and may even store application configuration.
Directory Services play an ever increasing role in today's advanced business infrastructure. Active Directory is Microsoft's core directory providing the central service for managing and maintaining a Microsoft Infrastructure.
Many organizations overlook the importance on Active Directory and how it touches every piece of their software real estate, from the storage of User and Workstation objects, security and end user settings through to the repository for all Exchange configuration information.
If Active Directory fails then many of your key applications may also fail including logon and access to files and data secured by an Active directory domain.
Experience with our own customers has shown such issues as slow user logon, messaging failure or insecure work environments can be the typical symptoms of a badly managed and implemented Active Directory.
Multiple Directories - Meta Directory
In a typical organization, besides Active Directory there will be multiple directories (potentially running into the hundreds for larger entities). Every directory can represent a management overhead and a security risk, as each one has to be maintained and updated. When a user leaves a company, the user must be removed or disabled from each system they had access. If this is missed then potentially they could gain access and cause unwanted consequences. With every user change there may be management overhead.
For this reason directory synchronization and Meta Directory services exist to circumvent these problems. By utilizing a master directory that controls and updates all other directories, a change in one place can affect change in all desired locations.
Squeeze Technology has worked extensively in directory infrastructure and our consultants have been involved in the largest branch retail Active Directory implementation in the world . We are ready to help your organization either implement a new deployment or help rationalize what you may already have.
