Apparatus and method for managing multiple user identities on a networked computer system

摘要

An apparatus and method allow a system administrator to manage multiple user identities in multiple user registries in different processing environments. An identity mapping mechanism is provided that includes a directory service that includes entries that reference user identities in the multiple registries, and that reference identity mappings between those entries. The identity mapping mechanism includes an interface defined by a plurality of APIs that allow accessing and correlating the multiple user identities and the identity mappings. A programmer can generate an application or tool that uses the identity mapping mechanism by calling the APIs in the interface. In this manner, administration of user identities occurs with the user as the primary focus, rather than the platform. In addition, a common tool can be used to manage the user identities of different environments, making administration of user identities in a heterogenous network more efficient and cost-effective.