Connectors

A connector is a Java process that manages the synchronization process in a single data source type. A connector detects user changes in the data source, and publishes these changes to remote connectors over Message Queue.

Identity Synchronization for Windows provides the following directory-specific connectors, which are responsible for bidirectionally synchronizing user attributes and password updates between directories and domains:

• Directory Server Connector: Supports a single root suffix (for example suffix/database) in a Directory Server

• Active Directory Connector: Supports a single instance in a Windows 2000 or Windows 2003 Server Active Directory environment. You may use multiple connectors for additional domains

• Windows NT Connector: Supports a single domain in a Windows NT environment

The Watchdog is installed anywhere you install a connector, and it is responsible for starting, restarting, and stopping the connectors. For more information, see Watchdog Process.