The Directory Server linkage facility makes it possible to use a Directory Server to manage and authenticate HiRDB users. A Directory Server is a program that uses a release type protocol called LDAP to provide service through the Internet or through a distributed system environment such as an intranet. This service, called the Directory Service, uses centralized management to reduce the workload of the system administrator.

Use of a Directory Server makes it possible to centrally manage organizational and user information (such as user IDs, passwords, departments, job titles) that traditionally has been managed separately on a variety of systems such as HiRDB or Groupmax. A Directory Server also makes it possible to reference and update the user information from multiple work sites. Figure 24-1 provides an overview of the Directory Server linkage facility.

Figure 24-1 Overview of the Directory Server linkage facility

^* Directory Server performs user authentication for users who wish to access HiRDB. User information (user IDs and passwords) must be registered into Directory Server in advance.