IBM single sign-on software due
IBM's secure single sign-on removes the need for separate logons or credentials for each application or database that users are authorized to work with.
Secure single sign-on removes the need for separate logons or credentials for each application or database that users are authorized to work with. Many software companies, such as Axent, Secure Dynamics, and Siemens Nixdorf, incorporate single sign-on features in their software offerings.
Due out in August, IBM Global Sign-On Version 2 includes Tivoli Plus Module and smart card support for security and administration. Tivoli is a subsidiary of IBM.
The Tivoli Plus Module provides IBM users with automated installation and maintenance and additional administration features. It also provides notification of logon attempts, password resets, and other events within the system.
Global Sign-On works with the LAN Server, OS/2 Warp Server/ Novell NetWare, Windows NT Server, Lotus Notes, and other popular platforms. It also works with popular databases like IBM DB2, "="" rel="noopener nofollow" class="c-regularLink" target="_blank">Informix , and Microsoft?s SQL Server.
In addition, the new version of Global Sign-On supports the Schlumberger Cryptoflex smartcard from Litronic.
The additional security measures offered by Litronic and other partners "provides strong primary authentication in lieu of the single sign-on functions," said Joe Carusillo, brand manager for Global Sign-On.
Carusillo said the additional layer of security meets market demand, particularly from customers in the defense, financial, and government industries.
The greatest interest in single sign-on technology has come from large companies with heavy mainframe usage, particularly in banking and financial services, said Jim Hurley, security analyst for Aberdeen Group.
"We have not seen a great deal of uptake outside of those customers. It?s being marketed [within] the enterprise itself, not over the Web or the Internet," Hurley added. "We don?t seen anybody who?s using any of this stuff for integrating customers and suppliers [via extranets]."
For the Net, companies are turning to firms like enCommerce , NeTegrity , and Great Britain?s Knowledge Group to regulate access control for outsiders, Hurley added.
In addition, Hewlett-Packard announced its Authorization server for similar uses.
Global Sign-On 2.0, part of the IBM SecureWay family of products, is one of the primary components of the recently announced eNetwork Security and Directory Integration solution.
The product will be distributed by the Tivoli direct channel and by IBM. Pricing for the Global Sign-On client is $75 per user, while the server will list at $1,999, the company said.