Sun updates access management software

Sun's OpenSSO Enterprise is designed to simplify the process of managing user identities

Sun Microsystems has updated its open source identity management product that allows customers to provide staff with a single sign-on to all their applications.

The vendor has integrated functions that were previously third-party plug-in components to make it easier to deploy.

Previously known as Sun Java System Access Manager and Sun Java System Federation Manager, the new Sun OpenSSO Enterprise will simplify the process of managing user identities by incorporating a new federation package called Fedlet, said Sun.

Fedlet will ease the process of adding new users to a corporate account by allowing service providers to federate with identity providers directly without needing a standalone federation product, according to the firm.

Mark Herring, vice president of marketing at Sun's Software Infrastructure division, said: "Sun's updated identity portfolio, including the new OpenSSO Enterprise, is designed to solve basic and complex SSO and authorisation issues as well as streamline the management of end users and resources, so organisations can focus on growth."

OpenSSO Enterprise will also contain an embedded directory server, which Sun claims is the first in the market. This is aimed at ensuring a quick deployment of the software without having to configure or deploy a standalone directory.

OpenSSO Enterprise was built in collaboration with OpenSSO, one of the world's largest open source identity management projects.

Customers can buy the whole product for $40,000 (£22,500) for fewer than 25,000 users, or download core components for $20,000 (£11,000) for fewer than 25,00 users.