Likewise Software has released a new version of its open-source authentication software for allowing Linux, Apple Macintosh and commercial Unix-based computers to hook into Microsoft Active ...

2] OpenLDAP. Another free and open-source software on our list is OpenLDAP. It is based on Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and can replace Microsoft Active Directory.

Microsoft last week released the final legacy client extension for Active Directory, which allows Windows NT desktops limited access to the directory service in Windows 2000.

* Active Directory is too complicated to audit for compliance. ... which enables your Windows Server to appear as a NetWare file and print server to desktops running the NetWare client software.

The client software uses the same protocols that a Windows machine would use to interact with Active Directory, including Kerberos and the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol.