1 Introduction

This book explains how to control the way Oracle Access Manager appears and operates by making configuration changes to operating systems or Web or directory servers, editing the content of XML files, or changing directory content. It also provides an overview, from an administrator's point of view, of the Access Manager API and the authorization and authentication plug-in APIs.

Topics include:

• Designing the GUI with PresentationXML

  PresentationXML enables you to change the appearance of Identity System applications

• Customizing Portal Inserts

  Oracle Access Manager Portal Inserts provide a way to insert content generated by Oracle Access Manager into other applications without programming.

• Modifying Catalog Files

  Oracle Access Manager makes extensive use of catalog files to configure various system attributes and behaviors, for example, date displays, colors, and the text on the default login pages.

• Other Customization

  This chapter covers topics not discussed elsewhere in this guide, including configuring a self registration workflow, configuring email notifications in a workflow, and using Oracle Access Manager for authorization only.

• Customizing Access Control with Plug-Ins

  You can extend the base Oracle Access Manager functionality to applications that are outside of Oracle Access Manager, but must interact with Oracle Access Manager for identity or access control functions.

Use the techniques discussed in this document with the utmost care. This guide assumes that you have knowledge of and experience with:

• Using Oracle Access Manager

• Logical connections between the Identity and Access systems

• General working knowledge of directories and LDAP

• Manipulating files and running applications at the command-line level

Other helpful experience includes:

• System or database administration

• Familiarity with CGI files or JavaScripts

• Familiarity with your Web server, Web browser, operating system, and configuration details

Before you begin using the information in this book, Oracle Access Manager should be installed and its operation confirmed. For details, see the Oracle Access Manager Installation Guide.