any alternate for windows AD ?

[mmanjrekar]

hi,
Windows Active directory has evolved over a period of time to be quite feature rich and easy to use directory server but do we have any opensource counterpart with the help of which i will be able to not only perform central authentication but also test and apply patches for windows clients, perform remote software installations etc ... ?

[jayd512]

Though I've never had to set it up, from what I've seen OpenLDAP can be setup to use AD.
You should be able to get more info in their webpage: OpenLDAP, Main Page

[mmanjrekar]

i guess i confused you. i dont want ldap to use AD. i want to use it instead of AD not only for centralise auth but also for everything that AD does.
i basically want AD in FOSS!

[meton_magis]

hi,
Windows Active directory has evolved over a period of time to be quite feature rich and easy to use directory server but do we have any opensource counterpart with the help of which i will be able to not only perform central authentication but also test and apply patches for windows clients, perform remote software installations etc ... ?

I'm going to take a guess and say that no, it doesn't exist. AD is Microsoft's implementation of LDAP, plus stuff for their OS. Most people working on FOSS are going to be trying to improve interaction with FOSS operating systems.

I'm not saying that there definitely doesn't exist something, but I would bet on no. There DOES exist something for windows computers to be able to authenticate against an LDAP server ... but I don't remember what it's called. It's something GINA .... PGINA maybe ??? Google around, you'll find it if that's what you're wanting.

[mmanjrekar]

hey common guys ... i need help with FOSS solution ...
i have OpenLDAP that i can use for Auth but i also need replacement for WSUS server and remote / background installation of software on windows.

[vwalia08]

I had heard that samba was coming up something equivalent of Windows AD a while back, not sure where it is now.

[jayd512]

The thing is this...
Folks get used to AD. And they want a tool that is familiar.
As mentioned above, AD is an implementation of LDAP.

The only way to really have AD is to , well... use AD.

[mmanjrekar]

i guess it was my mistake of mentioning AD here instead of what i really wanted i.e. centralize auth and user management.

AD does have features beyond that hence i found it worth mentioning. anyways i agree that ppl have got use to Windows / AD but they are trying to find options either to cut costs or get better solutions.

i found this link on linkedin forum which i believe is worth a look. it has basically clubbed samba-ldap with few other tools and is offering ease of use and manageability, something that we should work upon to spread FOSS to the masses.

* ApacheDS ([directory.apache.org]Apache Directory - LDAP and Kerberos, entirely in Java])

* OpenDS ([opends.org]OpenDS : the Open Source Java LDAP Directory Service])

* GOsa (oss.gonicus.de/labs/gosa[/url])


i will be getting my hands dirty with gosa but please give me your reviews.