This section explains key technical terms used in this chapter, with an emphasis on clarifying the relationships between these terms how they are used in the Java Enterprise System context.
A special kind of database optimized for reading data rather than writing data. Most directories are based on LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol), an industry-standard protocol.
A rule that describes who is authorized to access a specific resource under specific conditions. The rule can be based on groups of users or roles in an organization.
An identity that a user has by virtue of a single user entry in a Java Enterprise System directory. Based on this single user entry a user can be allowed access to various Java Enterprise System resources, such as a portal, web pages, and services such as messaging, calendar, and instant messaging.
A feature that allows a user’s authentication to one service in a distributed system to be automatically applied to other services in the system.