Virtual Directories Take Hold
Posted by
Michael Caton
April 11, 2007
Tags: authoritative application, authoritative data source, data consolidation, data synchronization, directory synchronization , identity management, metadirectories, metadirectory, virtual directories, Access and Authentication, Antivirus, Data Networking & Management, Data Protection, Database Management Services, Directory Server, Directory Services, Enclosures, Hotspots, IDE, Identity Management, Java, Linux, Other, Remote Access Software, Security Standards, Servers & Storage, Smartphones, Software, Software and Web Development, Technology, Unified Communications & VoIP, User Interface, Virtual directory, WLAN Security, Windows, Wireless
Channel: Other, Networking & Mgmt, Servers & Storage, Data Protection, Wireless, UC & VoIP
|
|
|
|
|
 Virtual directories let organizations gather information from many data sources and present that information from one interface, securely. They give companies access to existing information without having to re-create it or develop a new app. New open-source options could bring the cost of virtual directories within reach of small companies.  Radiant Logic was one of the first vendors with a virtual-directory product. MaXware, Persistent Systems and Symlabs, other early-to-market vendors, focus primarily on virtual directories and ID management. BMC Software, CA and Novell also play in this arena. Microsoft and Oracle have virtual-directory offerings as part of their directory- and ID-management products. Two open-source groups, MyVD Virtual Directory and Safehaus Software Foundation, are attempting to gain a foothold in the arena. Surprisingly, IBM doesn't have a true virtual directory, but it does have directory-synchronization products and partners with vendors such as Radiant Logic and Symlabs.
 Virtual directories give companies effective ways to access data without undertaking a metadirectory or application-integration project that can lead to data synchronization and infrastructure problems. The market is expected to double in the next three years, to $1.8 billion.
|
|
|
Data only proliferates, never consolidates, so finding ways to access the increasing amount of customer, partner and employee data in databases and directories can be daunting. Virtual directories provide a way, regardless of where the data resides.
Until recently, this arena was dominated by commercial tools, but recent open-source innovations have shifted the landscape. Open-source groups MyVD Virtual Directory and Safehaus Software Foundation are offering options that may appeal to small companies.
The main advantages of a virtual directory compared with a metadirectory include faster deployment time, the ability to avoid synchronizing data from other sources and security efficiencies. Commercial virtual directories are less expensive over time than metadirectories or custom-built ones. Beyond that, open-source alternatives help smaller companies adopt the technology because they are less expensive than commercial products.
Related Reading
More unified-communications-voip Insights
RSS
Email
Print
Share
