Linux User Management and eDirectory work together to simplify administration and provide users with access to network resources.
Using Linux User Management and eDirectory to manage user login information eliminates the need to create local users in the /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow files on each Linux computer. It simplifies user account management by consolidating user accounts into a central point of administration.
You can use eDirectory tools and technologies to manage access to Linux resources on the network. After authenticating, users have the rights and privileges as specified in eDirectory. These are the same rights and privileges that would typically need to be stored in a local account or redirected to other authentication methods, such as NIS. The user account information stored in eDirectory lets users access file and printer resources on the network.
Users can log in to Linux computers by using access methods such as login, FTP, SSH, su, rsh, rlogin, and gdm (GNOME). They simply enter their familiar eDirectory credentials. There is no need to remember a full context. Linux User Management finds the correct user in eDirectory.
Users can log in once, using a single username and password, and have seamless access to all their network resources regardless of platform.