Linux AD from Likewise
Thursday, September 10, 2009 12:57
There’s no doubting the ubiquitous predominance of Microsoft® Active Directory™ (AD) across business enterprise networks of the world (well done Microsoft), however in the emerging new age of browser based cloud application delivery an Ubuntu Linux desktop client is a distinct no brainer, why pay good money for software licensing and expensive high end hardware to (basically) just run Firefox?
As an innovative and forward thinking Network Manager you’re impressed by the TCO savings and increased stability an Ubuntu enterprise platform will bring, you’d like to look into adopting an open source strategy but you’re confused about implemented integration with your existing AD infrastructure. You’ve heard cross-client AD authentication is possible but aren’t sure how much work it will involve and have no burning desire to drop your poor technicians into the depths of command line confusion for Windbind, SAMBA and OpenLDAP, well the good news is that you don’t have to, Identity Management Solutions from Likewise will save you (and them) from a world of pain. Likewise are sector leaders for facilitated extension of Microsoft networks and provide truly secure Kerberos staged integration with your AD environment for Linux®, UNIX® and Mac through a three tiered application suite.
Base user credential authentication comes via Likewise Open which is FREE to download and presently supports over 125 different platforms, it’s sociably available through the Ubuntu apt-get repositories and offers a user friendly domain join GU for those preferring to work with the mouse rather than the CLI.
Moving up the scale to their chargeable mid ground is the UID-GID module offering increased flexibility of administration for UID, GID & OU values via an MMC snap in.
At the top of the tree is the all encompassing Likewise Enterprise providing fully comprehensive administration for centralised ease of deployment and infrastructure management.
Likewise offer a most reasonable range of varying service plans and support contracts starting from basic online self-service How-To’s and leading up to contracted 24/7 live response. Their pricing structure is extremely competitive with a perpetual server licence for their top end Enterprise solution pitching in at only $299, this also includes 1 year product support. Further information, contact details and on-line demos are available on the Likewise website.
Too Much Green are staunch advocates of Likewise. We include and configure base Likewise Open AD connectivity as part of our tailored O-Build service and would be more than happy to discuss Ubuntu & open source migration and integration strategies with you.
Feel free to contact us anytime (details via the Solutions page)
Keith says:
September 10th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I see on that Likewise site they’ve gone for the 1 – 2 – 3 big idiot button layout
I thought it was a full replacement for AD. Of course, having clicked on those 3 buttons I see it isn’t.
What kind of Alternative to AD is there in the Linux world? Is there a free, strong contender that would allow the I.T manager to turn the WIndows server off for good?
Richard says:
September 11th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Yes, their product presentation is genius in it’s simplicity, a nice easy three staged approach to cover all bases with matched info portals straight from the front page of the site, clear, direct and instantly informative.
The next follow up post is going to address the matter of AD replacement (among other things), stay tuned.