Novell has unveiled its roadmap for the next generation of network-based directory services, including a Universal Description, Discovery and Integration (UDDI) server for web services.

The Project Destiny roadmap includes several key enhancements to Novell's software over the next 18 months, and covers four main areas: web services, dynamic identity, intelligent infrastructure and federated trust.

The first release will be the Novell UDDI server, scheduled for later this year. Built on Novell eDirectory it will add secure identity and access management to UDDI.

Following Novell's acquisition of web services company SilverStream, the latter's advanced web services implementation tools will be extended for use with Destiny.

Novell vice chairman Chris Stone said: "Novell's vision for directories is radically different from anything anyone has ever done before.

"It will eliminate the obstacle of complexity, and will solve identity, interoperability and security problems within current and future environments."

Keeping a strong presence in the network directory market is core to Novell's plans, and any failure to do so would severely undermine its prospects.

Stone explained that Destiny marked the most significant direction for the company since the launch of eDirectory in 1999.

Next year, native XML and Simple Object Access Protocol support will extend Destiny to provide secure identity management across web services. This will allow businesses to manage, and control access to, web services.

Novell has also unveiled an identity management application codenamed Saturn for delivery before the end of the year.

The application implements the Liberty Alliance 1.0 specifications for exchanging information between companies, and includes single sign-on authentication.

"Novell's Liberty-enabled solution will help companies establish 'rings of trust' which build loyalty and strengthen relationships," said Stone.

"[This will] give users a more complete, more fluid online experience without compromising on an individual's control of identity."