Introduction to Identity Connectors

An identity connector is a component, similar to a resource adapter, that provides a link between Identity Manager and a native resource, such as a database, LDAP, or an ERP system.

Identity connectors provide advantages over resource adapters, including the following:

• Simplified deployment and management because connectors are less tightly bound with Identity Manager than resource adapters. By placing Java connector bundles in the appropriate directory within your web application, or placing .NET bundles in the appropriate directory in a remote .NET directory, you can extend on-demand the types of native resources that you can manage. Identity Manager automatically detects any newly deployed connectors.

• Connector release cycles do not rely upon Identity Manager release cycles. Connector releases can differ from Identity Manager releases , and you can add or update connectors in your deployment with less dependence on the particular version of Identity Manager you are currently using.

• Identity Manager loads each connector in a separate class loader. This enhances support for using multiple versions of a native API from within a single Identity Manager server.

• Use of the separate and less complex identity connector SPI to develop connectors (Java or .NET). You do not need to know or use any Identity Manager APIs.