The inconsistencies prevalent in UNIX operating systems significantly increase the complexity of resource administration. Most UNIX customers run their applications in a heterogeneous environment with multiple underlying operating systems, making it difficult to manage administration of user accounts centrally and consistently.
Local leader in enterprise security, Foster-Melliar offers a dynamic product which facilitates centralised user administration control as well as enhanced UNIX access control. As a component of AXENT`s comprehensive Enterprise Resource Manager family, UNIX Resource Manager (URM) provides a graphical representation of system administration no matter what vendor`s variation of UNIX you are using.
UNIX operating systems often have different methods for storing user account information and, in addition, have separate password policies for different platforms. Traditionally the lack of good user administration tools in UNIX has made managing users and groups a complicated, error-prone process. Even platforms that provide a graphical interface lack the common user administration across other UNIX systems. One simple mistake in editing the UNIX password file can lead to gaping holes in system security or result in users being unable to access mission-critical applications.
Another problem for UNIX customers is that security policies often demand more than the UNIX operating system provides. In a distributed network environment, it is crucial to ensure that access to confidential information is secure - organisations must be able to control access to the UNIX application by terminal location and have an automated method of securing unattended workstations.
The Resource Manager for UNIX provides an invaluable service by centralising the administration and management of UNIX user account identification information, including the central management of enhanced password and access policy parameters. These security tools augment basic operating system functions for most operating systems. Resource Manager for UNIX has the ability to automatically update multiple password files, which serves as a time-saving feature for security administrators. OmniGuard?/Resource Manager for UNIX generates audit logs of security events that can be used to detect suspicious activity and help administrators track security problems. To provide useful information for corporate audits, it includes 10 standard reports which can be run from the main menu and which provide detailed information regarding user profiles, expired passwords, system log events and batch actions. The audit trail even includes a log of security administration activity - a fundamental capability absent in most UNIX systems.
Advanced manager/agent architecture alllows for the following enhancements: redundant failover capability to ensure high reliability, fully encrypted messaging to ensure confidentiality, and ability to push password file updates to reduce administrative workload.
With Resource Manager for UNIX, account definition and maintenance can be delegated to users who do not have an in-depth understanding of the UNIX operating system. Resource Manager for UNIX`s interface provides full point-and-click use, drag-and-drop icons, and on-line help. System administrators can safely delegate user administration to non-privileged employees.
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