[dba-Tech] A fully GUI Active Directory for your Linux

[Jim Lawrence]

UNIX and subsequently Linux has fully supported (It is built in) the LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) protocol which is what Microsoft based Active Directory on. There have been a number of GUIs on LDAP but for the most part command lime management has been the most effective method of interfacing with the product. The LDAP protocol for the most part is designed to manage clusters of servers, has not easily supported desktop type machines and has paid little attention to different OS (Operating Systems).

That has all changed with a standardized Linux Active Directory called FreeIPA. It is a fully GUI product, relatively easy to install, supports virtually all OS and Enterprises of any size from thousands of systems, to a small network. FreeIPA is optimized for Redhat, Fedora and CentOS Linux servers but that is standard most shops to large companies. The application can be run off any server via a Virtual Drive, off a Cloud, through the internet or even on a Container. The program/servers can fully integrate with Active Directory servers..."...support any client capable of attaching to Kerberized LDAP, including Microsoft Windows. (Kerberos Authentication is built into all Windows servers)" The application only consumes a very small amount of memory/HD space; example: 250,000 clients takes 2 GBs...millions can take up to 8 GBs. Finally, the application is also fully supported by Redhat.     

http://www.freeipa.org/page/Main_Page

http://tinyurl.com/nf9pfk6

User comments: http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?t=1163042

Jim