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July 31, 2008

There is new software available now that enables system administrators to better integrate Linux into Microsoft Window's Active Directory (AD) applications. Likewise Software has released an open-source version of its Active Directory software that integrates not just Windows' AD with Linux, but also with UNIX and Mac systems as well.

Additionally, the software also comes with the LAC (Likewise Administrative Console). That console enables sys admins to manage AD users, computers and access rights right from Linux. Some testing has also been carried on openSUSE systems and most reports were positive.

Likewise's new software also includes a Linux event log daemon. This stores user authentication and security events in a supplied database engine.

It also includes two additional but main features. The most important, LWIS (Likewise Identity Services) enables a network administrator to use Active Directory Authentication for Linux, Unix and Mac PCs. The company states that LWIS includes a full implementation of the DCE/RPC framework with support for Kerberos, NTLM and SPNEGO security protocols.

The software maker also claims that LWIS will run on 118+ non-Windows platforms. Some testing was done with Likewise Fall and the basic functionality appears to be there. Some beta users were able to reach openSUSE 11 desktop to some Windows Server 2003 and 2008's ADs.

The new version, Likewise Fall 08, is now available for download. It is licensed under the LGPL 2.1 for client libraries and the GPL 2.1 for daemons. There is also a version of the program available under a proprietary license.

Barry Crist, Likewise’s CEO said “our latest software version features a next generation authentication engine that makes the administration of mixed networks even easier by allowing IT to manage users, access rights and policies from any computer.”

If sys admins need more to manage the AD Group Policy, they will need to get the Enterprise edition of Likewise. The list price for that product is $249 for the server license and $49 per workstation. Volume discounts are available according to the company.

Source: Likewise Software.

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