This draft specification integrates network management applications with directory services
Much confusion exists about the Directory Enabled Networks (DEN) initiative. The Desktop Management Task Force's (DMTF's) adoption of DEN 3.02 has brought DEN into the spotlight, but the media coverage doesn't provide much insight into what DEN is. You need to understand what DEN is and how it might affect your network.
Password Synchronization
Historically, users lacked an adequate means of synchronizing NT and UNIX passwords because each OS uses a different method to obscure and store passwords. Fortunately, Microsoft has included one-way password synchronization software in the add-on pack. Screen 1 shows the password synchronization configuration file.
One-way password synchronization software hooks into NT and lets NT and UNIX systems share passwords. When users change their password on an NT system, the UNIX system automatically receives the new password. Unfortunately, the software only synchronizes NT passwords to UNIX.
Why didn't Microsoft include the ability to synchronize passwords from UNIX to NT? The answer probably resides in the notion that Microsoft wants NT to be the platform of choice, and having systems administrators manage user account information on an NT system forces UNIX users to use an NT system. Microsoft's plan makes good marketing sense; however, the plan also opens the market to third-party vendors who want to produce software that synchronizes UNIX passwords to NT.
The add-on pack introduces much-needed interoperability between UNIX and NT systems. However, the add-on pack doesn't include an NT-based X-Windows client or server, and the KornShell and associated scripts and binaries don't provide all the functionality a user needs.
Third-party vendors will benefit from the add-on pack. For instance, Softway Systems expects the add-on pack to stimulate sales of the company's Interix middleware solution (formerly OpenNT). Interix lets you run UNIX-based applications on NT without having to rewrite program code and introduces X-server capabilities to NT.
NetManage is working with Microsoft to ensure that its Chameleon UNIX Link software is compatible with the add-on pack. One of Chameleon UNIX Link's best features is a tool that lets users access UNIX-style X-terminal-based applications with a Web browser. Chameleon UNIX Link also includes an NFS server, an FTP client, and terminal emulators.
The Future
Will the add-on pack become part of Windows 2000 (Win2K, formerly NT 5.0)? Based on Microsoft's interest in penetrating the UNIX server market, my guess is that Microsoft will bundle the add-on pack and a lot of other software with Win2K.
Officially, DEN is a specification for a directory schema to provide a common taxonomy and organization of network elements and the policies to manage them. The underlying information model used to describe and relate the various classes and attributes is defined by and extends the Common Information Model (CIM) 2.0 as outlined by the DMTF.
If you are thinking, "Huh?" you're not alone. Perhaps a better place to begin describing this hard-to-grasp concept is to look at what DEN is not: DEN is not a protocol, API, technology, or product; DEN is not proprietary. DEN is a draft specification that addresses the need for better integration and interoperability between directory services and network management applications. DEN provides a framework for network management applications to communicate with existing network devices (such as hubs, routers, and switches) through common protocols (such as Simple Network Management Protocol—SNMP) and relate reported information back to the directory. In other words, like a Rosetta stone, DEN is the key that lets a directory service and a network management application communicate with each other. This communication, in turn, lets you integrate the directory service and network management applications to improve network operations.
When you read about DEN, you'll likely come across the terms profile and policy. Cisco, one of DEN's founders (see the "DEN's Roots" sidebar), has succinctly described these terms and their role in DEN:
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